What is the placenta? A fertilized egg, getting into the uterine cavity, attaches to one of the walls, invading the mucous membrane, the endometrium. At this point, organs are beginning to form that are designed to protect the baby during pregnancy. These organs include the amniotic membrane, within which the baby develops, and the placenta, with which the amniotic membrane is attached to the uterine wall. It is interesting that the male genome is responsible for the formation of these organs, that is, the father begins to protect his child already at this stage, albeit unconsciously.
The placenta acts as an intermediary between the mother and the child. It consists of two films, inside and outside the amniotic membrane, and blood vessels between them. The circulatory systems of the mother and the child do not intersect with each other, the entire exchange occurs precisely through the placenta. It is she who is responsible for supplying the fetus with oxygen, nutrients and trace elements necessary for development, as well as for preventing infections, if any, and various drugs from the mother’s blood into the baby’s blood. The development of the fetus depends on the condition of the placenta.
One of the possible pathologies of the placenta is a low placentation in pregnant women. Typically, an egg is attached to the posterior or anterior wall of the uterus in the area of the bottom (in the uterus, the bottom is up). In some cases, due to damage to the mucosa due to early abortions, complex pregnancies, intrauterine infections, as well as in later pregnancies, the egg is fixed in the lower part of the uterus. This phenomenon is called low placentation in pregnant women.
Low placentation during pregnancy is associated with a number of problems. First of all, in the lower part of the uterus there are much fewer blood vessels, and therefore the baby may not receive enough oxygen, nutrients and trace elements. In addition, as the baby grows and increases, a low placenta during pregnancy leads to an ever-increasing pressure on the placenta, which can cause it to exfoliate and cause heavy bleeding.
At the same time, in nine out of ten cases, the low located placenta eventually moves to the upper part of the uterus and does not require treatment. So low placentation in pregnant women is not a reason for panic.
Of course, that same one out of ten cases remains when the placenta remains in the lower part of the uterus until the very birth. Here a lot depends on what position the child is in. If in the head, then the woman is likely to be allowed to give birth herself, although this is associated with some risks. If the child is in a pelvic or leg presentation, then we will already be talking about a planned caesarean section.
There is another option when low placentation in pregnant women leads to cesarean section. Sometimes the placenta is located so low that it partially or even completely blocks the pharynx of the cervix. In this case, a large loss of blood in the case of natural childbirth is inevitable, which means that it is better to refuse this option. However, a cesarean section is also not a sentence and you should not be afraid of it.
Low placentation in pregnant women, as mentioned above, is not a reason for panic. You just need to follow simple but important recommendations. First of all, women with a low placenta should not be able to lift weights, make sudden movements, run or jump, and even sit down, go to bed or get up, it is necessary to smoothly and without jerking. Avoid travel by public transport. You also can not have sex.
Also, when you are sitting or lying down, legs need a little lift. It improves the blood circulation of the pelvis, and therefore, the uterus and the placenta.
It is especially important for women with low platsenttsiey follow the vaginal discharge. Spotting or spotting is a reason to contact your doctor as soon as possible, and if there is heavy bleeding, call an ambulance right away.
If your doctor suggests you lie down for preservation, do not postpone it or refuse. Even if you feel good. Your baby may not have enough oxygen or may not receive enough nutrients. In this case, external recharge of the fetus may be necessary.