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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Three-dimensional Rendering and Analysis of Immunolabeled, Clarified Human Placental Villous Vascular Networks
Published on: March 29, 2018
Delivery outcomes associated with resolved first-trimester low placentation
Rachel Feiner1, Rachel Wiley2, Leah Lamale-Smith2
1School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Pregnancy (Hoboken, N.J.)
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Resolved first-trimester low placentation is not linked to major adverse outcomes. However, it is associated with increased blood loss and a higher rate of unplanned cesarean delivery, suggesting potential alterations in uterine physiology.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- First-trimester low placentation, identified via ultrasound, often resolves spontaneously.
- The association between resolved low placentation and adverse delivery outcomes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate delivery outcomes in pregnancies with resolved first-trimester low placentation compared to those without.
- To determine if spontaneous resolution of low placentation impacts maternal and neonatal health.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies (January-December 2022).
- Defined low placentation as low-lying or internal os covering on first-trimester ultrasound.
- Compared outcomes between resolved low placentation, persistent low placentation, and no low placentation groups.
Main Results:
- Resolved low placentation showed increased quantitative blood loss (405 vs. 331 cc) and higher rates of tranexamic acid use (11.9% vs. 7.7%) and blood transfusion (1.8% vs. 0.4%).
- Unplanned cesarean delivery rates were significantly higher in the resolved low placentation group (15.3% vs. 9.2%).
- No significant differences were observed in postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, Apgar scores, or composite maternal/neonatal adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Resolved first-trimester low placentation is not associated with clinically significant adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.
- Increased rates of unplanned cesarean delivery suggest potential underlying changes in uterine physiology.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between resolved low placentation and cesarean delivery rates.
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