Is low placenta dangerous? Symptoms, treatment and care

Low placenta is when the edge of the placenta is very close to the entrance to the uterus, at a distance of 1 to 20 mm. Although it is not always a serious condition, a low placenta increases the chances of bleeding, which can put the life of the woman and the baby at risk.

The main sign of a low placenta is the appearance of vaginal bleeding, which normally does not cause pain and which can occur during sexual intercourse or during labor.

In case of a low placenta, it is important to consult the obstetrician for an evaluation. Although a low-lying placenta typically rises during pregnancy without specific treatment, regular ultrasound monitoring is usually indicated.

Is low placenta dangerous?

Having a low placenta can be dangerous, especially when the placenta remains low until the end of the pregnancy, as it can cause serious bleeding, which puts the life of the woman and the baby at risk.

Even if the placenta does not cover the exit from the cervix and normal birth is possible, the risk of hemorrhage during labor is greater and, therefore, the need for an emergency cesarean section tends to be greater, compared to women without a low placenta.

Furthermore, for the baby, a low placenta increases the risk of prematurity, low weight and respiratory distress at birth, for example.

Main symptoms

A low-lying placenta can cause vaginal bleeding, which is more common in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Normally, bleeding does not cause pain and can occur due to sexual intercourse or labor, for example.

In case of bleeding during pregnancy, it is recommended to go to an emergency room so that the cause of the bleeding can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be started. Check out the main causes of bleeding during pregnancy.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of low placenta is confirmed by the obstetrician through tests such as ultrasound, which is normally carried out in the first trimester of pregnancy. See when to have the first ultrasound during pregnancy.

Furthermore, when the placenta is low, it is generally recommended to repeat the examination at other times during the pregnancy to check whether the placenta remains low.

How the treatment is carried out

The low placenta tends to rise as the pregnancy progresses, without the need for specific treatment.

However, if the placenta remains low, treatment is usually done through delivery, which may require a cesarean section, especially when the placenta is very close to the entrance to the uterus or causes severe bleeding.

How long can a low placenta rise?

The low-lying placenta normally rises without the need for any treatment until 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Low placenta care

In case of a low placenta, it is recommended to take some precautions such as:

• Rest;
• Do not move excessively;
• Avoid having sexual relations;
• Seek obstetric emergency care in case of bleeding.

Furthermore, it is important to talk to the obstetrician about the risks and the safest form of birth, and a cesarean section may be recommended. See other situations in which a cesarean section may be indicated.