During pregnancy, the placenta plays a vital role in supporting your baby’s growth by supplying oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord. While most pregnancies have a normally positioned placenta, some women may develop a low-lying placenta (placenta previa) or a condition where the placenta becomes abnormally attached to the uterus, known as the Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS).
Although these conditions can pose challenges during pregnancy and delivery, early diagnosis through regular ultrasound scans allows doctors to plan safe and effective management for both mother and baby.
If you’re receiving antenatal care from the best gynecologist in Pune, understanding these conditions can help you stay informed and prepared.
What Is the Placenta?
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy and attaches to the wall of the uterus.
Its primary functions include:
- Delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby
- Removing waste products from the baby’s blood
- Producing hormones that support pregnancy
- Connecting the baby to the mother through the umbilical cord
Normally, the placenta attaches to the upper part of the uterus.
What Is a Low-Lying Placenta?
In early pregnancy, many women are found to have a placenta positioned near the cervix. This is known as a low-lying placenta.
As pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands, and in most cases, the placenta naturally moves upward. This process is called placental migration.
Therefore, a low-lying placenta diagnosed during the first or early second trimester often resolves on its own.
What Is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta remains low in the uterus later in pregnancy and partially or completely covers the cervix.
Depending on its location, it may lie on the front (anterior) or back (posterior) wall of the uterus.
Because the placenta blocks the birth canal, a normal vaginal delivery may not be possible, and a planned Caesarean section is often recommended.
Symptoms of Placenta Previa
The most common symptom is:
- Painless vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester
Bleeding may occur:
- Without any obvious reason
- After heavy physical activity
- Following sexual intercourse
- After strenuous exertion
Any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated immediately by your obstetrician.
How Is Placenta Previa Diagnosed?
Placenta previa is diagnosed through routine ultrasound examinations during pregnancy.
Serial ultrasound scans help doctors determine whether:
- The placenta has moved upward as the uterus grows
- It continues to remain low near the cervix
- Special delivery planning is required
Regular monitoring is essential for ensuring maternal and fetal safety.
Why Is Placenta Previa Considered High Risk?
After childbirth, the upper part of the uterus contracts strongly to reduce bleeding.
However, the lower uterine segment does not contract as effectively.
When the placenta is attached to this lower portion, there is a greater risk of heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage) after delivery.
To manage this safely, doctors may:
- Plan delivery by Caesarean section
- Arrange blood products in advance
- Keep medications ready to control bleeding
- Ensure an experienced obstetric team is available during delivery
What Is Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS)?
Placenta Accreta Spectrum refers to a group of conditions in which the placenta becomes abnormally attached to the uterine wall.
Normally, the placenta separates easily after the baby is delivered. In PAS, it remains firmly attached and does not detach normally.
The condition is classified into three types:
Placenta Accreta
The placenta attaches firmly to the uterine wall without invading the muscle.
Placenta Increta
The placenta grows deeper into the muscle of the uterus.
Placenta Percreta
The placenta grows completely through the uterine wall and may involve nearby organs such as the bladder.
Why Is Placenta Accreta Dangerous?
Because the placenta does not separate normally after delivery, it can cause:
- Severe bleeding
- Massive blood loss
- Need for blood transfusions
- Emergency surgery
- In some cases, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to save the mother’s life
Although these situations sound alarming, careful planning significantly improves outcomes.
How Is Placenta Accreta Diagnosed?
Placenta Accreta Spectrum is usually detected through:
- Serial ultrasound examinations
- Detailed obstetric imaging
- Careful monitoring throughout pregnancy
Unlike placenta previa, placenta accreta may not always cause bleeding, making regular pregnancy scans extremely important.
Doctors may suspect PAS if the placenta remains fixed in one location and shows signs of abnormal attachment during repeated scans.
Why Are Regular Pregnancy Scans Important?
Routine ultrasound examinations help doctors:
- Monitor placental position
- Identify placenta previa early
- Detect abnormal placental attachment
- Plan a safe delivery
- Reduce the risk of unexpected complications
Early diagnosis allows the medical team to prepare the necessary specialists, surgical support, and blood products before delivery.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor Immediately?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
- Sudden heavy bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Reduced fetal movements
- Signs of labour before your due date
Never ignore bleeding during pregnancy, even if it is painless.
Expert High-Risk Pregnancy Care at Momstory
At Momstory, our experienced obstetricians and fetal medicine specialists closely monitor placental health through advanced ultrasound imaging and evidence-based pregnancy care. Early diagnosis of placenta previa and Placenta Accreta Spectrum helps us plan safe deliveries while minimising risks for both mother and baby.
If you have been diagnosed with a low-lying placenta or are experiencing bleeding during pregnancy, consult an experienced lady gynecologist in Pune for timely evaluation and personalised care.
