The lower edge of the placenta is close to the internal cervical os

The lower edge of the placenta is closer to the internal os of the cervix, which everyone needs to pay attention to, because this is a low-lying placenta. Generally, there are many reasons for the low-lying placenta, such as older mothers, uterine malformations, uterine fibroids, etc., which can cause this kind of situation.

The lower edge of the placenta is close to the internal os of the cervix, which means that the position of the placenta is relatively low, which is a low-lying placenta. There is a possibility of partial placenta previa, so further observation is needed. However, most placentas can rise as the pregnancy time increases.

What is a low lying placenta?

A low-lying placenta is a type of placenta previa, which can be divided into three types: complete placenta previa, partial placenta previa, and low-lying placenta.

Complete placenta previa means that the placenta tissue completely covers the internal cervical opening; partial placenta previa means that only part of the placenta tissue covers the cervical opening. In comparison, low-lying placenta is a relatively mild type among the three types of placenta previa, and pregnant mothers should still pay attention to it.

Causes of low-lying placenta

What is the cause of low-lying placenta? Usually, if the pregnant mother is of advanced age (over 35 years old), and has uterine malformations, fibroids, scars, etc., the chance of placenta previa will increase. In addition, the chances of this happening are greatly increased for pregnant women who have given birth multiple times or have a history of placenta previa.

The dangers of low-lying placenta

When the placenta is low, as the pregnancy progresses, especially in the late pregnancy or after delivery, the lower segment of the uterus gradually stretches, the cervical canal disappears, and the cervical opening dilates, but the placenta does not develop with the expansion of the cervical opening. As a result, it will detach from its attachment point, and blood vessels will rupture and vaginal bleeding will occur. When the amount of bleeding is large, the pregnant mother will develop anemia; when the bleeding is severe, shock and fainting may occur, and the baby in the belly may suffer from lack of oxygen, respiratory distress, or even death. Although this bleeding depends on the type of placenta previa, the chance of heavy, recurrent early bleeding is relatively low in low-lying placentas. However, during labor, each uterine contraction will pull the lower segment of the uterus upward, often causing increased bleeding and resulting in serious consequences.

Because the placental detachment surface of placenta previa is close to the external os of the cervix, bacteria can invade the placental detachment surface from the vagina. Coupled with postpartum anemia and weak physical condition, puerperal infection is prone to occur. Moreover, premature and perinatal mortality rates will also increase.

What should I pay attention to when the placenta is low

1. Avoid squatting

When a pregnant mother has a low-lying placenta, she should take appropriate self-care measures, but avoid all strenuous exercise, such as running, jumping, etc., and some movements are absolutely inappropriate, such as squatting.

Pregnant mothers already have a bulging abdomen, which puts a lot of pressure on their lower limbs, so it is not easy for them to squat. If a pregnant mother with a low-lying placenta squats, the cervix will expand and the placenta located lower will be stretched, causing detachment and bleeding. Therefore, pregnant mothers with low-lying placenta should never squat.

Avoid overwork, do not use too much force when changing body positions, including when defecating, and avoid constipation and sexual intercourse.

2. Closely monitor the condition

If heavy bleeding, repeated bleeding, or labor is imminent, termination of pregnancy should be considered depending on the circumstances. It is recommended that close observation be carried out and the instructions of the attending physician be followed.

What to do if the placenta is low

Many pregnant mothers are told that their placenta is low during prenatal check-ups, which makes them very anxious. So what to do if the placenta is low lying?

First of all, it is recommended that all pregnant mothers do not worry too much. Being too worried is actually bad for the baby and themselves. For some pregnant women with low-lying placenta, as the gestational age increases, the lower segment of the uterus will lengthen and the position of the placenta will rise, and the placenta will no longer be in a low-lying position. If there is no obvious discomfort before 28 weeks of pregnancy and the fetus is developing well, it is recommended to continue observation without treatment. If the placenta is still low-lying during B-ultrasound examination at 28 weeks of pregnancy, treatment is required.

Because a low-lying placenta is prone to prenatal bleeding, if the amount of bleeding is large, it may be complicated by premature birth, stillbirth and intrauterine fetal death. You just need to pay attention to your daily health care to reduce the chance of complications. Pay attention to rest, avoid overwork, and do not use excessive force when changing body positions, including when defecating. Avoid constipation and sexual intercourse. Go to the hospital immediately if you notice bleeding.

Can a low-lying placenta be delivered naturally?

Can a natural birth be achieved if the placenta is low lying? It depends on the actual situation. Generally speaking, a natural birth can be achieved if the placenta is low lying, but it must be done under the doctor's advice.

If the placenta is found to be low-lying around 20 weeks of pregnancy, it may form and lengthen along with the lower segment of the uterus in the later stages of pregnancy, and the placenta can move upward. If it does, a normal birth can be achieved. If it does not move up, it is placenta previa. There are three types of placenta previa: marginal, partial, and central. Partial and central types cannot be delivered naturally, but marginal type can.

However, pregnant mothers with low-lying placenta must go to the hospital for regular prenatal checkups, be hospitalized in time when delivery is approaching, and choose the method of delivery based on their physical condition and the doctor's advice.