Question: i am 20 weeks pregnant and my ultrasound shows placenta previa .what does its mean is there any need to worry?

Answer: Low-lying placenta, or placenta praevia, is a complication of pregnancy where the placenta that feeds the growing baby is attached to the lower part of the womb near to or covering the cervix. A low lying placenta, by itself, may not require any treatment. If it is early in your pregnancy, before the twentieth week, then there is a good chance that the placenta will shift into an upward position as your uterus expands. If the placenta stays at a low lying position but is not near enough to the cervix to be classified as placenta previa. However there are treatments to prevent the two most common complications of a low lying placenta: bleeding and preterm labor. To prevent these problems some women are placed on bed rest or limited activity. Especially activities that result in bouncing or jarring of the lower abdomen need to be avoided. Similarly some women need to refrain from sexual intercourse, or the use of rectal suppositories or vaginal douches/suppositories. The degree of restriction depends on whether or not the woman is experiencing any vaginal bleeding or pre-term labor.