Low-Lying Placenta: A 6th Month Update & Concerns

Question
QUESTION: Dear Brenda, Hi!

Well as i've mentioned earlier i had a low lying placenta some time during my 4th month... I have just entered my 6th Month....i had heavy bleeding one nite after intercourse but the bleeding had stopped by morning. with the help of an ultrasound we realised i had low lying placenta. Me n my husband were asked to abstain from intercourse for all 9 months at that time.

I was on bed rest for 4 weeks, medication given was susten 300 for a month & about 8 fertigyn injections.

In my recent ultrasound we are told the placenta has moved up by about 5 cms.

What i need to know is do we still need to abstain from intercourse? Is there a possibility of the placenta moving down again? Will the bleeding start again? Plz do reply.

Thanx & Regards,
Saba

ANSWER: Dear Saba,

If the edge of the placenta is within 2 centimeters of the cervix but not bordering it, it's called a low-lying placenta. Normally, as the uterus grows and expands, the placenta tends to inch its way upward and away from the cervix. As your pregnancy progresses, your placenta is likely to "migrate" farther from your cervix and no longer be a problem. (Since the placenta is implanted in the uterus, it doesn't actually move, but it can end up farther from your cervix as your uterus expands. Also, since the placenta itself grows, it's likely to grow toward the richer blood supply in the upper part of the uterus.) So, typically we do not get concerned about a placenta moving back down toward the cervix. Most likely, you can breathe much easier about the space that has been gained between the placenta and the cervix but you will need to get the "OK" from your OB doctor before resuming sexual activity. If it is still very close to the cervical opening, they may want you to abstain awhile longer.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Brenda,

My placenta has moved up about 5 cms away from the cervix.

Regards,
Saba

Answer
Dear Saba,

Again, you will need to get clearance for sexual activity from your OB doctor. Each doctor has his/her own comfort level regarding this. 5 cm is one inch away from that cervical opening. It will depend upon how far from the cervix he/she specifically wants the placenta to be before resuming sexual activity safely.

Hope that helps. Be well.

Brenda