About low-lying placenta

During your ultrasound, we saw that your placenta is positioned either wholly or partly in front of your cervix.

This position of the placenta can affect whether you can give birth vaginally. You may instead need to have a caesarean section.

What happens next

Impact on pregnancy

The position of the placenta will not have any impact on your pregnancy at this stage. If you are not experiencing bleeding, then you can continue to exercise, have sex, lift heavy objects and go to work as usual.

We will scan you again around 32-34 weeks of pregnancy

During weeks 32 to 34 of pregnancy, we will conduct a vaginal scan to see whether the placenta has moved since the 2nd trimester ultrasound. In line with the growth of the uterus, the placenta will in 80-90% of cases move away from the cervix. In 10-20% of cases, the placenta will stay in front of the cervix and prevent a vaginal birth. In these cases, it will be necessary to deliver the baby via caesarean section, which will be scheduled approximately 2 weeks before your due date.

If the placenta has moved and is now positioned at an appropriate distance from the cervix, then it will no longer be necessary to take any special precautions or to carry out additional check-ups during the remainder of your pregnancy. You will also be able to give birth vaginally.

Things to be aware of

Always contact us if you begin bleeding

You may bleed from the vagina if your placenta is wholly or partially blocking your cervix. The bleeding can be caused by sex, Braxton Hicks contractions or without any provocation at all.

If you begin bleeding from the vagina, we will often admit you to hospital to keep an eye on you and your unborn baby. Most people can be discharged 2 days after the bleeding has stopped.

If you experience heavy bleeding prior to the 34th week of pregnancy, we will often treat you with adrenocortical hormones, which will help mature the baby's lungs.

In rare cases it may be necessary to perform an emergency caesarean section.