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Low-Lying Placenta Versus Placenta Previa

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Low-Lying Placenta Versus Placenta Previa

Overview

A placenta is normally attached to the upper wall of the uterus.

  • A low-lying placenta is a placenta that forms low in the uterus without covering the opening of the cervix. It is not a high-risk condition. It often gets better on its own as the pregnancy progresses. As the uterus gets bigger, the placenta will shift away from the cervix.
  • Placenta previa is a placenta that does cover the cervix. Placenta previa can bleed heavily during labor. But placenta previa that's present in the first several weeks of pregnancy often gets better on its own. The position of the placenta can change as the uterus grows. So by the end of the pregnancy, the placenta may no longer block the cervix.

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Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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