Is it Bad to Have a Placenta Previa or Low Lying Placenta?

Dr. Boyd discusses the topic of placenta previa so that you can understand possible dangers in your pregnancy. ► ► ► Power Pregnancy Workbook - no longer available. ------- A number of women will develop a Placenta Previa during their pregnancy, and they often wonder if having a Placenta Previa is a bad thing? YES, it is bad. But let me preface what I mean by that. As your placenta grows we like it to grow on either the front side, back side or top side. Front-sided is called Anterior placenta, back-sided is called a Posterior placenta, and top-sided is called a Fundal placenta. When the placenta is in a Placenta Previa position it is overlying the cervix and birth canal. If the placenta is in that position at term than the baby would have to go through that placenta to deliver. This is why a Placenta Previa is concerning. Often times when you have had your second-trimester ultrasound, which is performed around 20 weeks gestation, that your placenta may be low lying or it may be completely covering your cervix. What does “Low Lying” mean? The placenta is in a position down by the cervical opening (that is part of the birth canal). Or it could mean that it completely overlies the Cervical Os. Now as you move forward towards your due date: 24, 28, 32 weeks, etc… your Dr. should perform a follow-up ultrasound to check if the placenta has migrated up and away from the cervix. A great majority of placentas migrate up into the uterine cavity as women approach their due date. If we fast-forward to 36 weeks 96% of all placentas have migrated up and away from the Cervical Os. That means only 4% are affected at that point. If we fast-forward another 4 weeks and go all the way to term 98% of placentas have migrated up out of the way of the cervix to allow for a vaginal delivery. That means the total amount of patients that are affected ends up being roughly 2% or less. Even in those cases, there are some patients who have a low lying placenta and their baby is still able to deliver successfully and without endangering the mama or baby. However, at the point of full term (40 weeks gestational age) if the placenta still overlies the Cervical Os, known as a Placenta Previa, your health care provider will often recommend a Caesarean section. This is for your safety and the safety of your baby. A very important question to address. I encourage you to talk with your health care provider if you are diagnosed with a Placenta Previa. We want you to be informed and empowered in your pregnancy. Are you looking for more answers to your questions and concerns? Are you looking for expert knowledge, a community with other curious pregnant women JUST LIKE YOU? Join Pearently. A Community of woman mastering the art of pregnancy, labor, and deliver! ----- Visit our Website - http://Pearently.com Disclaimer: Please discuss any healthcare information found on this channel with your healthcare provider. Pearently exists as a source of information and knowledge and in no way can we determine whether or not any of the information is specifically best for your individual case without conducting an in-person assessment. With that in mind, we are grateful to share this information with you and we hope that you find success in your journey to achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Sincerely, Team Pearently. All links Keep in mind this video/post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.