Naturally Moving Your Placenta Up During Pregnancy: Tips and Techniques

During the pregnancy 2 new organs develop in the mother’s womb. One is the fetus and the other is called the placenta. Now you must be wondering what is the placenta. The placenta is an organ that develops along with the baby. It is a temporary organ responsible for delivering food and nutrients to the baby. Through the placenta, the waste products and carbon dioxide come out of the fetus. It is safe to say that the placenta plays the part of the lungs, kidneys, and intestines for the fetus. Through this article, you are able to understand “how to move the placenta up naturally”.

In some pregnancies, there are disorders with the placenta. One such disorder is called “placenta previa”. It is a condition in which the placenta blocks the top portion of the uterus completely or partially. It interferes with normal vaginal delivery. This condition can be harmful to both the mother and the baby.

The biggest risk arising from placenta previa is heavy bleeding at the time of delivery. 

As the cervix starts dilating (opening its mouth to push the baby out), there are chances that the placenta detaches itself from the uterus, which can cause heavy bleeding. It could be a dangerous situation for both the mother and the baby. The baby’s life is at risk because oxygen would be supplied to it by the placenta and the mother could go into shock because of the excessive blood loss.

Another risk associated with placenta previa is premature delivery. If the above situation happens before the baby completes its term, then doctors have to deliver the baby prematurely via a c- section. Premature babies have to face a lot of challenges in terms of health and development. 

In addition to the physical risks, placenta previa can also cause emotional stress for the mother. The condition can be frightening and unpredictable, and many women may feel anxious and overwhelmed as they navigate the risks associated with the condition.

Causes of low-lying placenta

One of the biggest reasons for a low-lying placenta is the history of c-sections in previous deliveries. This is because of the injuries that are caused by the surgical process of a c-section, the placenta implants itself lower than usual. 

Another factor that can contribute to a low-lying placenta is getting pregnant in the 30s or later. 

After the age of 30, the placenta usually implants itself lower in the uterus. 

Women with a history of uterine surgery are also at risk of developing a low-lying placenta. 

Similarly, women with hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia are also at risk of low-lying placenta. 

Other than these, certain women who have high chances of developing placenta previa include the following: 

1. Who already have delivered before
2. Had the case of placenta previa in an earlier pregnancy
3. Have taken medications for infertility
4. Pregnant with twins or triplets
5. Who smoke
6. And who consumes drugs?

 Diagnosis of Placenta Previa

This is the type of placenta previa in which the placenta completely covers the cervix. Women with complete placenta previa may experience painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This bleeding can be severe and requires immediate medical attention.

 In this type of placenta previa, the placenta partially covers the cervix. Some women who are facing partial placenta previa may have light spotting during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. They are also at risk of developing complete placenta previa later in pregnancy.

This is the type of placenta previa in which the placenta does not cover the cervix, but is implanted at the edge of the cervix. Women with marginal placenta previa may experience light spotting or bleeding during the second or third trimester. They are also at risk of developing complete or partial placenta previa at the later stages of pregnancy.

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Placenta previa is diagnosed through an ultrasound. To detect placenta previa through ultrasound, a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound may be used. In a transabdominal ultrasound, gel is applied over the belly and a device is moved over it to get a clear picture of the uterus, placenta, and fetus. Whereas in a transvaginal ultrasound, a probe is inserted into the vagina to see more detailed images of the uterus, placenta, and fetus. 

During the ultrasound process, the radiologist will see the location of the placenta to the cervix. If the radiologist finds that the placenta is covering the cervix completely or partially, then the diagnosis is made accordingly. Other than the location of the placenta, the radiologist will also see signs of fetal distress, internal bleeding, etc. 

This information will help the doctor to guide the mother and make decisions about the management of the pregnancy.

How to Move the Placenta Up Naturally: Methods

There are certain scientific-backed methods to move the placenta up naturally:

Pelvic tilt exercise is particularly helpful during pregnancy. It can reduce the pressure on the cervix by moving it upwards. It improves flexibility and strength in the pelvic muscles.  Start with laying on your back. Then bend your knees and bring your feet slightly closer to your buttocks. Move your abdomen upwards and hold for 5 breaths. Then release and continue the same. This exercise is helpful for mothers wanting normal delivery.

Multiple studies have shown the positive effect prenatal yoga has on pregnancy. It affects the mothers both physically and mentally. Certain yoga postures particularly those that involve squats are best avoided during any degree of previa. Instead, mothers can do mountain poses, lying arm and shoulder raises, and shoulder rolls. All of these are gentle forms of yoga that will benefit the body by stretching it.

 Hydration is an important part of pregnancy. It is particularly helpful for the placental health. If the mothers are not drinking the daily recommended liters of water then their bodies will become dehydrated, which will result in less oxygen and nutrients supplied to the baby

A nutritious diet plays a very important role in pregnancy. In case of a disorder like a placenta previa, it becomes all the more important to eat healthy and nutritious food. Food rich in protein, iron, fibre, etc. aids in the growth and development of the baby.  It also makes sure that the mother has the required strength to grow a baby. 

Acupuncture is a natural technique that can help shift the placenta upwards. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus, which aids in the placenta’s movement

Medical Intervention for Placenta Previa

The placenta usually shifts upwards on its own as the uterus expands, reducing the risk of complications during delivery. However as the pregnancy progresses, if the placenta remains low-lying and is not seen moving upwards then medical intervention is necessary. 

Light bleeding is normal with placenta previa. But if the bleeding is heavy, you must visit your healthcare provider right away.

In some cases, if nothing can be done to stop the bleeding, the healthcare provider goes for a c- section. It is done to save the life of both the mother and the baby.

Different types of diagnosis are available for placenta previa depending upon the severity of the case

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and a healthy pregnancy is what every expecting mother wishes for. The most important factor which determines the health of the baby is the placenta. 

Let us recap the importance of having a healthy placenta during pregnancy.

 A healthy placenta ensures an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

 It also ensures that waste products are removed efficiently, reducing the risk of complications such as preterm labour.

The placenta produces many hormones which are vital for a pregnant woman. Some of these hormones are estrogen, progesterone, and hCG.

The placenta produces antibodies that help the baby protect from various infections.

Placental health is essential for a successful delivery. If the placenta is low lying then the chances of normal delivery are very less.

A placenta in a true sense does the job of the kidney, liver, and intestine for the baby. Therefore it becomes very important for the mothers to take care of their health so that their placenta remains healthy. By taking care of their placental health, mothers can make sure that they are doing everything to give the best start of life to their babies.