When you get pregnant, an organ develops to house the growing baby. The placenta is the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby and also removes waste from the baby’s body. This placenta will attach to the uterine wall after conception, and the baby’s umbilical cord will develop from this. The placenta generally attaches to the front or the back of the uterus. In some pregnancies, it can attach to the lower part of the uterus, resulting in placenta previa.
When the placenta attaches to the lower part of the uterus, it is known as a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. As the placenta grows, it may cover the cervix. Placenta previa is classified into two types –
Though you can find your placenta’s position in the first-trimester scan, a low-lying placenta is usually spotted in the 20th-week ultrasound.
If the placenta grows upwards, there will be very little or no complication during delivery. However, if the placenta grows sideways, it can cover a part of or the entire cervix. It can also cover the baby’s path during the time of delivery, which is a complication.
The placenta usually attaches to the top, side, front, or back of the uterus. The position of the placenta can impact your pregnancy in multiple ways. However, none of these positions are a reason for concern. Only a low-lying placenta can cause complications due to its position.
No one has any control over where the placenta implants or attaches in the uterus. Family medical history and certain lifestyle habits can increase the risk of a low-lying placenta.
The following can increase your risk of a low-lying placenta:
The placenta’s position is unknown until you take an ultrasound. A low-lying placenta can be uncomfortable. If your placenta is low-lying, you may experience the following symptoms.
Low-lying placenta causes more complications than other placental positions. Some of the common complications a low-lying placenta can cause are:
If your 20th-week ultrasound reveals a low-lying placenta, you need to be very careful as your pregnancy progresses. Here are a few tips to care for your low-lying placenta to ensure both mother and baby are safe throughout the pregnancy:
A low-lying placenta is a definite cause for concern. If your ultrasound reveals placenta previa, discuss your concerns with your doctor. A well-experienced gynaecologist associated with a well-equipped hospital can help you have a safe pregnancy and delivery.
The implantation position does not change. However, the placenta can continue to grow in any direction. The direction of growth can change the overall position of the placenta.
If the placental growth happens towards the fundus in the second half of pregnancy, placenta previa may not be there. As the pregnancy advanced the chances of placenta previa reduces.
A low-lying placenta is always a cause for concern. However, if the placenta grows upwards instead of sideways, it will not cover the cervix. So, wait for your 20-week scan and consult your doctor before you start panicking.
The placenta can be low-lying, detach itself from the uterine wall, grow deep into the uterine wall, or cause excess bleeding in the mother.
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The implantation position does not change. However, the placenta can continue to grow in any direction. The direction of growth can change the overall position of the placenta.
If the placental growth happens towards the fundus in the second half of pregnancy, placenta previa may not be present. As the pregnancy advanced, the chances of placenta previa reduced.
A low-lying placenta is always a cause for concern. However, if the placenta grows upwards instead of sideways, it will not cover the cervix. So, wait for your 20-week scan and consult your doctor before you start panicking.
At 20 weeks, women may experience complications with the placenta, like a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, placental abruption, or improper functioning of the placenta known as placental insufficiency. All these issues can cause serious complications for the developing baby or the pregnancy itself if not attended to immediately.
