Quick read
Key points
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Placenta praevia occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus, partly or fully covering the cervix. It's often first identified at a routine mid-pregnancy scan, and in many cases the placenta moves higher as the uterus grows, so it may resolve on its own by later scans.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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A follow-up scan later in pregnancy to check the placenta's position, if it was low-lying at your mid-pregnancy scan
01 · Know
What is Placenta Praevia (Low-Lying Placenta)?
Placenta praevia occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus, partly or fully covering the cervix. It's often first identified at a routine mid-pregnancy scan, and in many cases the placenta moves higher as the uterus grows, so it may resolve on its own by later scans.
If it persists into the third trimester, it can cause bleeding and typically means a vaginal birth isn't safe, so a planned caesarean birth is usually recommended. It's carefully monitored throughout pregnancy because of the risk of bleeding, sometimes suddenly and heavily.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It often resolves as the uterus grows
A low-lying placenta found in mid-pregnancy often moves further from the cervix as the uterus expands, which is why a follow-up scan later in pregnancy is usually recommended before deciding on a birth plan.
03 · Act
What to Expect from Your Maternity Team
- 1A follow-up scan later in pregnancy to check the placenta's position, if it was low-lying at your mid-pregnancy scan
- 2Advice on activity restrictions if the condition persists, which may include avoiding sex or strenuous exercise
- 3A discussion about planned caesarean birth if the placenta remains low near the time of delivery
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Any Bleeding Needs Immediate Assessment
If you have a known low-lying placenta, any vaginal bleeding — even light spotting — should be treated as an emergency and assessed immediately.
- 1Attend your follow-up scan as scheduled.This confirms whether the placenta has moved to a safer position as pregnancy progresses.
- 2Follow any activity advice from your team.This may include avoiding strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse if advised.
- 3Know the signs to watch for.Any bleeding should prompt an immediate call to your maternity unit or a trip to the emergency department.
- 4Plan for a possible caesarean birth.If the placenta remains low, discuss what this means for your birth plan with your team well in advance.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Placenta praevia is carefully monitored throughout pregnancy, and with the right plan in place, most people go on to have safe deliveries.
Any bleeding with a known low-lying placenta should always be treated as an emergency, regardless of how light it seems.