The mid-trimester low lying placenta: a prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Low-lying placenta is a common finding during mid-trimester ultrasound.
• Placental position can change significantly throughout pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively observe changes in placental position.
• To determine the prognostic significance of mid-trimester low-lying placentas.

Main Methods:

• Prospective follow-up of thirteen women with mid-trimester low-lying placenta.
• Repeated ultrasound examinations to monitor placental position.

Main Results:

• Two women experienced spontaneous abortion.
• In the remaining eleven women, the placenta was no longer previa by 30-32 weeks gestation.
• Placental migration occurred around the time of lower uterine segment formation.

Conclusions:

• Mid-trimester low-lying placenta often resolves by late second or early third trimester.
• Placental position changes are common and usually favorable.
• Further monitoring is recommended for accurate diagnosis of placenta previa.