Low lying placenta,should I be concerned

What is placenta and its function?

The placenta, also known as afterbirth, is an organ that connects the growing fetus to the uterine wall. It plays an important role in keeping baby alive and healthy.

First, the placenta acts to provide oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby via umbilical cord. Blood with nutrient and oxygen from the mother first goes through the placenta, then the umbilical cord attached to the placenta, and enter reaching the baby. Via umbilical cord also, placenta helps to removes wastes products and carbon dioxide from baby’s blood

Furthermore, the placenta also helps to protect the growing fetus from infections because it filters the blood from mothers.

Lastly, the placenta also produces large amount of female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones have a role in stopping any contractions in the uterus before the baby's birth and also in preparing the uterus and maternal tissues for birth delivery. Some of the hormones like estrogen and corticotrophin-releasing hormone will affect the timing of the onset of birth delivery.

What does it mean by low lying placenta?

Low lying placenta, also known as placenta previa, is a common problem during pregnancy. It happens when placenta grows in the lowest part of the uterus and covers all or part of the opening of the cervix.

There are three different forms of placenta previa which is detected through ultrasound scan.
1. First one is called marginal previa. This happens when the placenta is located just next to the cervix, but does not cover the opening to the birth canal.

2. Second form is called partial previa. In this form, the placenta covers part of the cervical opening.

3. Third form is called complete previa in which the placenta covers all of the cervical opening.

When the gynecologist informs you that your placenta lies low, you may want to know the exact form of placenta previa that you suffer from.

Why cesarean delivery (C-section) is needed if condition does not improve?

Gynecologist will tell you that you may need a Cesarean (C-section) delivery if the condition of placenta previa does not improve. When the placenta lies low, it will cover all or part of the cervix which is the opening to the birth canal. A vaginal delivery is impossible in this case. Vaginal delivery in such case can cause severe bleeding which is very harmful to both the mother and baby. That is the reason why gynecologist will suggest you to do a cesarean delivery.

Will my placenta move up as pregnancy progresses?

In many cases, the placenta will be able to move up gradually as pregnancy progresses.

During pregnancy, the placenta moves as the uterus stretches and grows. It is very common for the placenta to lies low in the uterus in early pregnancy. But as the pregnancy progresses, the placenta typically will move to the top of the uterus. By the third trimester, the placenta should move up the top of the womb, preparing pregnant women’s body for birth delivery.

If the placenta still lies low in the third trimester, you may need to prepare yourself for a cesarean delivery.

Symptoms associated with placenta previa (low lying placenta)

Symptoms of low lying placenta includes the following:

cramps

bleeding that occurs intermittently.

bleeding during the second half of pregnancy

When any of the above symptoms occur, you should seek gynecologists’ help immediately without any delay.

Precaution to be taken at home

First and foremost, always follow the instruction from the gynecologist. Usually, the gynecologist will ask you rest more and do not carry heavy objects. In some severe cases, hospital bed rest may be required. For the health of both mother and baby in the long term, expecting mother should slow down the daily activities for a few months.

Exercises should be banned. If placenta previa is detected during early pregnancy, you can still enjoy light exercises like brisk walking. However, if the condition does not improve in second trimester, all kinds of exercises should be disallowed.

Lastly, you and your partner need to avoid intercourse. When the placenta lies low, intercourse may cause bleeding from the vaginal which is very dangerous to the health of the baby and mother.

Please take note that you should seek gynecologist’s help if you experience any severe cramp or bleeding.