Low lying placenta

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

A placenta previa, also known as a low lying placenta, is a pregnancy complication that happens when the placenta totally or partially covers the placenta cervix.

The organ that grows inside the uterus during pregnancy and supplies the body with oxygen and essential nutrients is called the placenta. Additionally, it prevents waste from getting into the bloodstream. Additionally, it prevents waste from getting into the baby’s blood. It clings to the uterine walls, and the baby’s umbilical cord emerges from it. The meaning of low-lying placenta refers to a condition in pregnancy where the placenta attaches near or covers the cervix, which can pose potential risks and complications during childbirth.

In This Article

What is Placenta?

The organ that promotes your baby’s growth and development is the placenta. It is fastened to the womb’s lining and joined to your unborn child by the umbilical cord. The placenta transports your blood’s oxygen, nutrients, and immune system components to your unborn
child. Additionally, it transports waste materials from your infant to your bloodstream so that your body can eliminate them.

Meaning of Low lying Placenta

The placenta is important during pregnancy. It serves as a lifeline for the developing fetus, supplying essential nutrients, and oxygen, and removing waste products. In a typical pregnancy, the placenta attaches itself to the upper portion of the uterine wall, well away from the cervix, which is the opening leading to the birth canal. However, in cases of placenta previa, this vital organ finds itself in an unconventional and potentially problematic location, closer to or even covering the cervix.

Posterior low lying placenta

A posterior low lying placenta is a condition during pregnancy where the placenta is situated near or covering the cervix (uterine opening). In a normal pregnancy, the placenta is typically attached to the upper or side wall of the uterus, away from the cervix. However, with placenta
previa, the placenta is located lower down in the uterus, near or partially covering the cervical opening.

What distinguishes a placenta praevia from a low-lying placenta?

It is referred to as a low-lying placenta as the pregnancy progresses if the edge of The placenta is only about 20 mm away from the cervix. Placenta praevia is the term used when the placenta completely encases the cervix.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the precise cause of a low-lying placenta is not always clear, several factors can contribute to its development:

Previous Caesarean Sections or Uterine Surgeries: Women who have undergone cesarean sections or other uterine surgeries may be at a higher risk due to scarring in the uterine lining.
Advanced Maternal Age: Older mothers may have a greater likelihood of placenta previa.
Smoking: The use of tobacco during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of placenta previa.
Multiples Pregnancy: Women carrying twins, triplets, or more are more likely to be injured because of the greater demands on the uterus.
Uterine Abnormalities: Conditions such as fibroids or an irregularly shaped uterus can affect placental implantation.

Risks and Complications

A low-lying placenta can introduce a range of risks and complications:

Vaginal Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding is the hallmark symptom of placenta previa. It can occur suddenly and without warning, and the severity can vary from light spotting to heavy bleeding. It's essential for women experiencing any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy to seek immediate medical attention.
Pain and Discomfort: Placenta previa can sometimes cause abdominal pain or discomfort, especially if the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. This discomfort may vary from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain.
Preterm Birth: The condition increases the risk of preterm labor, which can lead to the premature birth of the baby. Premature birth can be associated with health challenges for the infant.
Foetal Presentation: In cases of complete placenta previa, where the placenta fully covers the cervix, the baby may be in a breech (feet-first) or transverse (sideways) position rather than the head-down position preferred for a vaginal delivery. This can complicate the birthing process and often necessitates a cesarean section.
Caesarean Section: Many women with placenta previa ultimately require a planned cesarean section to minimize the risk of life-threatening bleeding during vaginal delivery.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of placenta previa is usually made through ultrasound examinations during routine prenatal care. If a low-lying placenta is detected early in pregnancy, there’s a chance it may resolve itself as the uterus expands and the placenta moves away from the cervix. However, close monitoring remains crucial.

Low lying Placenta Treatment and Diagnosis

Low-lying placenta is typically diagnosed through routine ultrasound examinations during prenatal care. The treatment for a low-lying placenta depends on the degree of the condition, the stage of pregnancy, and the individual’s health and circumstances. Here are some
common approaches to managing and treating placenta previa:

Observation and Monitoring: In many cases, especially if the placenta is only slightly low- lying in early pregnancy, healthcare providers may recommend a wait-and-see approach. The placenta can migrate upward as the uterus grows during pregnancy, which can alleviate the issue. Frequent ultrasounds will be used to monitor the position of the placenta and check for any changes.
Bed Rest and Lifestyle Adjustments: In mild cases, bed rest or reduced physical activity might be recommended to minimize the risk of bleeding. Avoiding certain activities, such as sexual intercourse, is often advised.
Hospitalization: Severe cases of placenta previa with significant bleeding may require hospitalization for close monitoring and management. Blood transfusions may be necessary if bleeding is excessive.
Caesarean Section (C-Section): A planned caesarean section is the most common mode of delivery for women with placenta previa, typically scheduled for the 37th or 38th week of pregnancy to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. If the placenta remains low-lying and covers the cervix (complete placenta previa) or poses a significant risk of bleeding during labour, a C-section is usually recommended. This surgical delivery method helps avoid the potential for life-threatening bleeding during vaginal birth.
Activity Restriction: If you have placenta previa, your healthcare provider might advise you to avoid hard exercise or heavy lifting while engaging in physical activities to minimize the risk of vaginal bleeding.
Medications: In some instances, healthcare providers may prescribe medications, such as corticosteroids, to promote lung development in the baby if there is a risk of preterm birth.
Steroid Injections: If a C-section is planned because of placenta previa or if the baby needs to be delivered prematurely, healthcare providers may administer steroid injections to help speed up the baby's lung development.
Blood Transfusions: In cases of significant bleeding, blood transfusions may be necessary to address the loss of blood and maintain maternal health.
Planned Caesarean Section: Most women with placenta previa will ultimately require a planned caesarean section. This surgical approach is chosen to minimize the risk of severe bleeding during childbirth.

Post-Delivery Considerations

Following delivery, the placenta typically detaches and is expelled from the uterus, resolving the issue. However, women who have experienced placenta previa may be at a slightly increased risk of placental abnormalities in subsequent pregnancies, warranting continued monitoring in future pregnancies.

It’s essential for individuals with placenta previa to have regular prenatal check-ups and maintain open communication with their healthcare providers. These providers will closely monitor the condition and make decisions based on the individual’s specific situation.

In most cases, placenta previa is detected during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations(low lying placenta ultrasound), and healthcare providers will develop a personalized therapeutic strategy based on the condition’s severity and course. The main objective is to maintain the security and health of both the pregnant person and the baby. If you suspect you have placenta previa or have been diagnosed with it, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and seek immediate medical attention if you experience vaginal bleeding or any concerning symptoms during pregnancy.

Conclusion

A low-lying placenta is a pregnancy complication that requires careful monitoring and management to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. While it can be a source of anxiety for expectant mothers, advances in medical care and vigilant prenatal care can help mitigate the risks associated with this condition. If you suspect you may have a low-lying placenta, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance and support throughout your pregnancy. Remember, with proper medical attention, most women with placenta previa go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.