What Does It Mean When the Placenta Is Low?

After conception, women regularly visit hospitals for prenatal check-ups, which include a variety of tests. Among them is the examination of placenta position. If the placenta is situated relatively low, it is essential for pregnant women to be vigilant. A low-lying placenta often correlates with a larger placenta size and the implantation position of the fertilized egg. When the placenta is low, it can easily lead to vaginal bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy, potentially resulting in ischemia and hypoxia for the fetus within the uterus, significantly impacting the safety of the placenta.

A low-lying placenta refers to the placenta attaching too low on the uterine wall. Under normal conditions, the lowest attachment point of the placenta should not reach the lower segment of the cervix and should never be below the presenting part of the fetus. If the placenta attaches too low, reaching the lower segment of the cervix or even below the presenting part of the fetus, it is considered a low-lying placenta. Common reasons for a low-lying placenta mainly include an excessively large placenta area and a low implantation position of the fertilized egg.

A low-lying placenta can easily lead to repeated painless vaginal bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy. In severe cases, it can cause ischemia and hypoxia in the fetus, leading to intrauterine fetal death. It is a common and severe complication during pregnancy.

Between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, if a low-lying placenta is detected through a B-ultrasound examination, doctors usually indicate this in the diagnosis. For the first occurrence of a low-lying placenta during pregnancy, doctors typically do not take any special measures but advise regular observation of the placenta. This is because as the pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges, and the placenta may move upward, resulting in a normal placenta position.

However, if the placenta remains in a low position after 32 weeks of pregnancy, a diagnosis of placenta previa may be made. While some pregnant women may have a low-lying placenta without severe complications, the risk of significant or repeated bleeding is still present, albeit lower, and may have minor impacts on the fetus. However, during childbirth, contractions can pull the lower segment of the uterus upward, increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to be hospitalized two weeks before the expected delivery date for close monitoring.

1. Avoid Squatting: Pregnant women with a low-lying placenta should practice moderate self-care and avoid vigorous exercises like running and jumping. Certain movements, such as squatting, are particularly inappropriate. Squatting can enlarge the cervix and stretch the lower-positioned placenta, leading to detachment and bleeding. Therefore, squatting should be avoided at all costs.

2. Close Monitoring: In cases of significant or repeated bleeding or when approaching delivery, termination of pregnancy may be considered based on the situation. Close observation and adherence to the treating doctor's instructions are crucial.