Your Doctor Mentioned a Low-Lying Placenta? Here’s What It Really Means

Hearing the term “low-lying placenta” during a pregnancy scan can feel worrying — but in most cases, it’s not something to panic about.
Let’s break down what it really means, why it happens, and what you can do to support a healthy pregnancy if your doctor mentions it.

What Is a Low-Lying Placenta?

The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to your baby and removes waste through the umbilical cord.

Normally, the placenta attaches to the upper part of the uterus. But when it attaches lower down, close to or covering the cervix (the opening to the birth canal), it’s called a low-lying placenta or placenta previa.

This is a fairly common finding in early scans — especially around 18 to 20 weeks — and in most cases, the placenta naturally moves upward as the uterus grows.

Is Low-Lying Placenta Dangerous?

In most cases, a low-lying placenta identified in the second trimester resolves on its own by the third trimester.
Only a small percentage of women continue to have placenta previa later in pregnancy, which may require special care or delivery planning.

Your doctor will keep an eye on the placenta’s position through follow-up ultrasounds.
So, while it sounds concerning, a low-lying placenta in mid-pregnancy does not automatically mean complications.

What Causes a Low-Lying Placenta?

It’s not something you can prevent, but certain factors make it more likely, such as:

• Previous cesarean delivery
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
• Uterine surgeries or fibroids
• Pregnancy later in life
• Smoking (less common but noted risk)

Again, most cases are temporary and resolve naturally as the uterus expands.

Are There Any Precautions to Take?

If you’ve been told you have a low-lying placenta, here are some general precautions your doctor may advise:

• Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
  Gentle walking is usually fine, but skip high-impact exercise or long standing periods.
• Refrain from sexual intercourse if your doctor advises, especially if there’s spotting or bleeding.
• Watch for any vaginal bleeding.
  Even light bleeding should be reported immediately — it may not always be serious, but needs medical review.
• Plan your check-ups regularly.
  Follow-up ultrasounds help monitor the placenta’s movement and ensure your baby’s wellbeing.
• Stay calm and rest when needed.
  Stress doesn’t help healing — gentle relaxation, breathing, or mindfulness can keep you balanced through the waiting period. Always follow your gynecologist’s guidance — every case is unique, and care plans are personalized.
  

5 Most-Asked Questions About Low-Lying Placenta

1. Will my placenta move up on its own?
In about 90% of cases, yes. As your uterus grows, the placenta often “moves up” to a higher position by the third trimester.

2. Does a low-lying placenta mean I’ll need a C-section?
Not always. If the placenta stays low and blocks the cervix in late pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a cesarean. But if it moves up, a normal delivery is possible.

3. Can I exercise during this time?
Avoid heavy workouts, yoga inversions, or jumping movements. Stick to light stretches, gentle breathing, or slow walks only if your doctor gives the go-ahead.

4. Should I worry if I have bleeding?
Some spotting can occur, but any bleeding during pregnancy should be reported right away. Your doctor will assess and guide next steps.

5. Can my baby be affected by a low-lying placenta?
In most cases, no — your baby continues to receive proper oxygen and nutrition. The main focus is managing the placenta’s position safely as pregnancy progresses.

A Gentle Reminder

A low-lying placenta can sound worrying, but for most moms, it’s just a temporary phase. With proper rest, follow-ups, and medical guidance, you can have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.