Can low-lying placenta be a serious issue?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 12 weeks six days pregnant. I have bleeding on the eighth week my doctor says your placenta low laying, and now at 12 week six days, I feel white discharge with minor dots like blood not more. Again on USG scan my doctor says you have low laying placenta. Is this a serious issue for my baby or me? Please answer.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. Let me tell you few things about pregnancy and placenta. Placenta is a vascular structure that is formed only at 12 weeks, so there is no chance of diagnosing low lying placenta before that. Every pregnancy has a placenta coming over the lower segment of uterus, so then everyone will be diagnosed with this problem. In every pregnancy the placenta does not become much bigger , at same rate as baby. So it will have some part in all parts of uterus. When baby grows fast it will stretch the uterus and pull the placenta along with it. So then why worry. Just avoid causes that can cause bleeding in any pregnancy.

1. Avoid sex, especially penetrative sex.

2. Avoid straining or working for too long.

3. Most important, infections, urinary infection (have lot of water and pass urine frequently), respiratory infection (avoid going close to people with cold) and gastroenteritis (have food from home only).

These infections can irritate the uterus and cause spotting from uterus and cervix. Keep having tablet. Duphastone (dydrogesterone) twice a day orally till 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, this will relax uterus and stop bleeding. Enjoy these months of pregnancy. If you stress out too much, each symptom will be a big problem. Anyway the scan will be done next at 20 weeks, I am sure placenta would have gone up. I hope I have clarified your query, do write back if any more queries.

Thank you.