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Complications & Cesareans

Placenta Previa (Low Lying Placenta)

Dealing with a Low-lying Placenta

managing placenta previaHolly Faubion of Austin, Texas, was 12 weeks pregnant with her third child when she was diagnosed with placenta previa during a routine ultrasound. The news came as a shock, but Faubion was encouraged to learn that in many cases this condition corrects itself as pregnancy progresses.

"My doctor said no sex and no heavy lifting, but otherwise I could continue on as normal until my next ultrasound, which was scheduled for my 28th week," says Faubion.

Most pregnancies affected by placenta previa will result in Cesarean births, often before labor begins.

What Is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa refers to a placenta that covers all or part of a pregnant woman's cervix and can lead to excessive bleeding, which can be dangerous to both mother and baby. "Placenta previa is estimated to occur in approximately one in 250 pregnancies," says Dr. Traci Kurtzer, an OB/GYN with ENH Medical Group in Deerfield, Ill.

Very often, however, placentas that cover or lie close to the cervix in the early weeks of pregnancy (also referred to as low-lying placentas) often move upward as the baby and the uterus grow. "A diagnosis of low-lying placenta is found in 5 to 6 percent of all early pregnancy ultrasounds," says Dr. Kurtzer. "Over 90 percent of these resolve by term just by continued growth of the uterus and stretching of the lower uterine segment."


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Placenta Previa (Low Lying Placenta)

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Anonymous says
2 weeks, 2 days ago

I am 32 weeks with placenta previa. No bed rest just pelvic rest (nothing internal). Specialist suggests having an amniocentisis at 36-37 weeks to check lung development and c-section if lungs are developed. He doesn't want to run the risk of labor starting on its' own. I go for ultrasounds every week to check the baby's progress and make sure she is not in any distress. At this point, the chance the placenta will correct itself is slim to non. No bleeding yet so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will not have this occur.

Angel says
3 weeks, 4 days ago

I had my ultrasound on my 22nd week and found out that I also have a low lying placenta. My OB did not advise me to go on bedrest because I am not experiencing bleeding or contractions. I do not feel anything but I am scared for my baby's condition because of my work. I need to travel from home to office everyday and have to ride a bus. I am worried that we may be at risk because my OB still permitted me to work and to travel despite my condition. Please advise what should I do.

Anonymous says
February 10, 2010

I started bleeding at 9 weeks in my 2nd pregnancy and 11 weeks in my 3rd pregnancy, i was told i had a low lying placenta and should take it easy. unfortunately, i delivered both my sons at 23 weeks plus which was too early so the doctors couldn't do anything for my babaies because they were born just too early. Had i reached the 24 week mark there were other options the doctors had 4 the babies survival. However,i have a lovely 5 year old boy from my 1st pregnancy which went well without any complications. Was i just unlucky for my 2nd and 3rd pregnancy ? what are the possibilities this could happen agin?

wiraayu says
February 1, 2010

I had a low lying placenta in 28 weeks is there a risk n this is my 2nd child.im worried

Anonymous says
January 7, 2010

I had placenta previa with my firstborn, and due to excessive bleeding and contracting, I delivered him at 32 weeks. needless to say, he is 2 1/2 and healthy as can be! I am currently 13 weeks pregnant with my second, and a little scared to go through this again, but at least I know everything will be fine. It's scary at the time, but with todays technology, everything will be ok :o)

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