Pregnancy and childbirth are nothing short of miracles. Right from how the baby is conceived to how the mother nurtures him or her in her womb, to how childbirth happens, there are a multitude of things involved in the entire process and key changes that take place in the mother’s body to facilitate the growth of the new life.
From hormonal changes and a growing tummy to mood swings and weird cravings, there is a reason why each of these changes happen.
During pregnancy, your baby grows inside your uterus or womb. To support the nutrition of your growing baby, you also have another organ called the placenta, which is responsible for supplying food and oxygen to your baby, while filtering your baby’s blood. It will continue being attached to your uterus all through the nine months of pregnancy and will get delivered after your baby is born.
Usually, in the initial stages of pregnancy, the placenta is towards the bottom of your womb, near the cervix or the opening, However, as your baby grows and your uterus expands, your placenta will automatically move towards the top, leaving the opening clear for the birth.
While that’s how things work naturally, for many women, if the placenta continues being towards the bottom of the uterus, blocking the cervix. This condition is known as placenta previa or low lying placenta.
Doctors recommend regular scans during pregnancy and one of the objectives is to determine the position of the placenta. Usually, during the 20th-week scan, your doctor will get a clear understanding of where your placenta is and subsequent scans will help see if the position is getting corrected. Apart from the scans, there are some symptoms that could also indicate a low lying placenta including, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe cramps, and bleeding after intercourse. You need to consult the doctor when you experience these symptoms.
There are certain reasons why you as an expectant mother could be more at risk for placenta previa. These could include:
A lot depends on the kind of placenta previa you have. In case it's partial (partially covering the cervix), or if it’s partial ( placenta is partially covering the mother’s cervix) or complete. However, in cases of full placenta previa, where the placenta covers the entire cervix, cesarean birth or even premature births could happen. In partial placenta previa, vaginal delivery is still likely possible.
Usually, if you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your doctor will take several points into consideration.
In many cases, the placenta will migrate upwards as the baby grows. If it doesn’t, regular scans can help keep a close watch on the placenta. Reducing physical activities and staying in bed in the third trimester may be necessary. In case of uncontrollable bleeding or if the placenta is near the cervix, a caesarean delivery when the baby is ready is the best option.
There is no specific food that can help cure or fix a low-lying placenta. A well-balanced, nutritious diet is essential for overall health during pregnancy. It can also help prevent further complications. Include iron-rich foods to prevent anaemia – a condition very common in placenta previa.
Not always. Gentle walking can help with blood circulation. However, if the placenta is near the cervix or if the baby is heavy, the doctor may advise bed rest. It is important to consult your doctor or midwife and get clearance for walking and other physical activities when your placenta is lying low. Never strain your body too much, and stop walking when it feels uncomfortable.
Yes, many women with a low-lying placenta go on to have a full-term pregnancy, delivering healthy babies. With proper management and close monitoring, you can prevent complications that can endanger the baby. A Low-lying placenta can lead to a caesarean delivery, especially if the baby is in breech position or if there are any potential complications during delivery.
