PERINATOLOGY.comInformation for you about your pregnancy
Patient Handout

Low-Lying Placenta

When the placenta is close to the opening of the womb

The placenta , also called the afterbirth, is the organ that develops during pregnancy between the mother and the baby. It gives your baby oxygen and food.

The cervix is the opening at the bottom of the womb.

Low-lying placenta means the placenta is close to the cervix.

The edge is less than 2 centimeters (20 mm) away.

If the placenta covers the cervix, it is called placenta previa.

Medical illustration showing a low-lying placenta close to the cervix.
Teaching picture: the placenta is close to the cervix. LifeART image © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
Most low-lying placentas move up away from the cervix Many low-lying placentas are no longer low later in pregnancy.

Why does it matter?

  • It can cause bleeding.
  • The bleeding may not hurt and can be heavy.
  • It usually does not affect how the baby grows.

What happens next?

  • You will usually have another ultrasound at 32 weeks.
  • An ultrasound through the vagina is safe and gives the best view.
  • If the placenta is still low, you may have another scan at 36 weeks.

How will my baby be born?

  • Your 36-week scan helps plan the safest birth.
  • A vaginal birth may still be possible if the edge of the placenta is more than 1 centimeter away from the cervix.
  • If the placenta is 1 centimeter or less from the cervix, there is a higher chance that a cesarean (C-section) delivery may be needed.

What should I do?

  • Keep all prenatal and ultrasound visits.
  • Follow the instructions from your care team.
  • Ask before sex, exercise, or travel if you have had bleeding.
  • Tell your birth team the placenta was low, even if it later moved up.

Call your hospital now if you have:

  • Any bleeding from the vagina
  • Contractions, belly pain, or leaking fluid
  • You feel dizzy, weak, faint, or have trouble breathing
  • Your baby is moving less than usual
Do not stay home if you are bleeding Even a small amount of bleeding should be checked. Call 911 for heavy bleeding, fainting, or trouble breathing.

Educational use only. This handout does not replace care from your pregnancy doctor. Your care plan may be different. Updated July 2026.

References
  1. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Placenta praevia, placenta accreta and vasa praevia. Patient information. 2018.
  2. Jansen C, et al. Vaginal delivery in women with a low-lying placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG. 2019;126:1118-1126.
  3. Froeliger A, et al. Trial of Labor Compared With Elective Cesarean Delivery for Low-Lying Placenta. Obstet Gynecol. 2022;140:429-438.