Low Placentation in Pregnancy: Understanding Risks & Marginal Cases

Question
What does it mean when your placenta is to low and what could happen i am 5 months pregnant?  

Answer
There are two possibilities here:  the first is that the placenta is low, or near the internal opening of the cervix (within 2-3 cm).  The second is that the placenta is so low that it crosses the internal opening of the cervix.  The first is called a marginal placenta and is generally not associated with complications when seen at 5 months of pregnancy.  The second is called a placenta previa and unless it resolves prior to the time of your delivery would lead you to require a cesarean delivery.

As the uterus grows, it "pulls" the placenta up and away from your cervix, which can lead the placenta, which was low lying or even a previa, to "move" away from the cervix.  Only about 10% of the placenta previas seen at 4-5 months of pregnancy actually stay that way.  Your doctor will do another ultrasound in the third trimester to assess the placenta.  Before that, if you have any bleeding, call your doctor as soon as possible.