Placenta Check During Pregnancy: What Doctors Look For and Why

A placenta check during pregnancy helps doctors monitor the placenta’s position, health, and ability to support your baby’s growth.

When most parents attend their mid-pregnancy ultrasound, their attention is naturally focused on the baby.

They want to see tiny fingers and toes.

They want reassurance that growth is progressing normally.

They may even be hoping to learn the baby’s sex.

However, doctors are carefully evaluating something else that is just as important:

The placenta.

Although it rarely receives the same attention as the baby, the placenta plays a vital role throughout pregnancy.

It acts as the baby’s lifeline, supplying oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.

For this reason, checking the placenta is a standard and important part of the mid-pregnancy ultrasound examination.

Understanding what doctors look for during a placenta checkup can help parents feel more informed and less anxious about their scan results.

What Is The Placenta?

The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy.

It attaches to the wall of the uterus and connects to the baby through the umbilical cord.

Think of it as the baby’s support system.

The placenta performs several essential functions:

• Delivers oxygen to the baby
• Provides nutrients for growth
• Removes waste products
• Produces pregnancy hormones
• Helps support fetal development

Without a healthy placenta, a healthy pregnancy cannot be maintained.

This is why healthcare providers monitor placental health throughout pregnancy.

Why Do Doctors Check The Placenta During Mid-Pregnancy?

The detailed anatomy scan performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy is not only about examining the baby.

Doctors also evaluate:

• Placental position
• Placental appearance
• Relationship between the placenta and cervix
• Umbilical cord insertion
• Pregnancy environment

One of the most important goals is determining where the placenta is located inside the uterus.

Research and clinical guidelines emphasize that identifying placental location is a key component of the routine mid-pregnancy ultrasound examination. (Jauniaux et al. 2019)

The information gathered during this examination helps healthcare providers determine whether any additional monitoring may be needed later in pregnancy.

What Exactly Are Doctors Looking For?

Many parents assume the placenta check simply involves confirming that the placenta exists and appears normal.

In reality, the assessment is much more detailed.

During the scan, healthcare providers evaluate:

Placental Location

Where the placenta is attached inside the uterus.

Distance From The Cervix

How close the placenta lies to the cervical opening.

Placental Structure

Whether the placenta appears typical for gestational age.

Umbilical Cord Attachment

Where the umbilical cord connects to the placenta.

Blood Supply Environment

Whether the pregnancy environment appears supportive of normal fetal growth.

Each of these observations provides important information about pregnancy health.

Why Placental Location Matters

One of the most important findings during a placenta checkup is placental location.

The placenta may attach:

• To the front wall of the uterus (anterior placenta)
• To the back wall of the uterus (posterior placenta)
• Near the top of the uterus (fundal placenta)
• Along the side wall of the uterus

In most cases, placental location does not cause any problems.

Many women become concerned when they hear terms such as “anterior placenta.”

Fortunately, an anterior placenta is usually considered a normal variation and does not indicate a pregnancy complication.

Doctors simply document the location as part of routine assessment.

What Is A Low-Lying Placenta?

Sometimes the placenta develops close to the cervix.

This is known as a low-lying placenta.

A low-lying placenta is relatively common during the second trimester.

Finding a low-lying placenta at the mid-pregnancy scan does not automatically mean there will be a problem later.

In fact, as the uterus grows, the placenta often appears to move upward and away from the cervix. (Anderson-Bagga et al. 2023)

Because of this natural process, many women diagnosed with a low-lying placenta during mid-pregnancy eventually have a normally positioned placenta by the time they deliver.

What Is Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening.

This finding receives more attention because it can affect delivery planning and increase the risk of bleeding later in pregnancy.

Fortunately, many placentas that appear low during the second trimester are no longer low by the third trimester.

This is why follow-up imaging is often recommended rather than immediate concern.

ISUOG guidance notes that women with a low-lying placenta identified during the second-trimester scan are commonly offered a follow-up ultrasound later in pregnancy to reassess placental position. (ISUOG)

What Happens If The Placenta Is Low?

Finding a low placenta can understandably make parents nervous.

However, healthcare providers usually take a practical and reassuring approach.

In most situations:

• No immediate treatment is required
• Normal pregnancy activities continue
• Follow-up ultrasound examinations are scheduled
• Placental position is monitored over time

The purpose of additional scans is simply to determine whether the placenta remains close to the cervix as pregnancy progresses.

Many cases resolve naturally.

Can Doctors Assess Placental Function During The Mid-Pregnancy Scan?

To some extent, yes.

While ultrasound cannot measure every aspect of placental performance, doctors can assess features that may provide clues about placental health.

These include:

• Placental appearance
• Placental thickness
• Umbilical cord insertion
• Fetal growth patterns
• Amniotic fluid levels

The placenta and baby’s growth are closely linked.

Because of this relationship, placental evaluation forms an important part of overall pregnancy assessment.

What About The Umbilical Cord?

The placenta and umbilical cord work together as a single support system.

During the scan, doctors also examine where the umbilical cord attaches to the placenta.

Most cord insertions are entirely normal.

However, identifying unusual attachment patterns can sometimes help healthcare providers determine whether additional monitoring is needed later.

This is another reason the placenta receives so much attention during routine ultrasound examinations.

Can The Mid-Pregnancy Placenta Check Up Detect Problems?

Yes.

Although most placenta assessments are completely normal, the examination helps doctors identify conditions that may require additional monitoring later in pregnancy.

Importantly, identifying a placental concern does not automatically mean there will be complications.

In many situations, the finding simply allows healthcare providers to monitor the pregnancy more closely and plan care appropriately.

The goal of placental assessment is early awareness, not alarm.

Placental Abnormalities Doctors May Look For

During the ultrasound examination, healthcare providers evaluate whether the placenta appears typical for the stage of pregnancy.

Some findings that may receive additional attention include:

Low-Lying Placenta

A placenta positioned close to the cervix.

Placenta Previa

A placenta that partially or completely covers the cervical opening.

Abnormal Placental Attachment

Conditions where the placenta attaches unusually deeply to the uterine wall.

Unusual Cord Insertion

Differences in how the umbilical cord connects to the placenta.

Placental Growth Concerns

Changes that may affect how effectively the placenta supports fetal development.

Most pregnancies do not experience these issues, but identifying them early helps guide monitoring and delivery planning.

What Is Placenta Accreta?

One placental condition that doctors pay particular attention to is placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

This occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall.

Depending on the depth of attachment, the condition may be classified as:

• Placenta accreta
• Placenta increta
• Placenta percreta

Although uncommon, placenta accreta can increase the risk of complications during delivery.

Because of this, early identification is valuable.

Mid-pregnancy ultrasound examinations often play an important role in recognizing signs that may suggest abnormal placental attachment. (jauniaux et al. 2019)

Why Follow-Up Placenta Scans Are Sometimes Needed

One of the most common reasons for follow-up imaging is a low-lying placenta identified during the second trimester.

Many women become anxious when they hear this diagnosis.

However, healthcare providers often reassure patients that placental position can change as pregnancy progresses.

As the uterus expands, the placenta frequently moves farther away from the cervix.

For this reason, additional scans are often recommended later in pregnancy before any conclusions are made regarding delivery plans. (Khalil et al. 2024)

Does An Anterior Placenta Cause Problems?

This is one of the most common questions expectant mothers ask.

The answer is usually no.

An anterior placenta simply means the placenta is attached to the front wall of the uterus.

For most women:

• Pregnancy progresses normally
• Baby growth remains unaffected
• Delivery plans do not change

The only noticeable difference is that some women may feel fetal movements slightly later because the placenta acts as a cushion between the baby and the abdominal wall.

An anterior placenta is generally considered a normal variation rather than a complication.

What About Placental Calcification?

As pregnancy progresses, the placenta naturally matures.

Small calcium deposits may appear within placental tissue.

This process is known as placental calcification.

Mild placental calcification later in pregnancy is often considered a normal finding.

However, healthcare providers interpret these findings alongside:

• Gestational age
• Fetal growth
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Overall pregnancy health

A placental finding is rarely evaluated in isolation.

The entire clinical picture is considered before any decisions are made.

Can Placental Problems Affect Baby Growth?

Sometimes.

The placenta is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

If placental function becomes impaired, fetal growth may be affected.

This is one reason doctors routinely assess:

• Baby size
• Growth patterns
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Placental appearance

When concerns arise, additional monitoring may be recommended to ensure the baby continues developing appropriately.

Fortunately, most pregnancies have healthy placental function and normal fetal growth.

Common Myths About Placenta Check During Pregnancy

Myth 1: A Low-Lying Placenta Means A Cesarean Section Is Certain

False.

Many low-lying placentas identified during the second trimester move away from the cervix later in pregnancy.

Delivery decisions are usually made after follow-up assessments.

Myth 2: An Anterior Placenta Is Dangerous

False.

An anterior placenta is usually a normal placental location and does not indicate a pregnancy complication.

Myth 3: Placental Findings Always Mean Something Is Wrong With The Baby

False.

Many placental findings relate to placental position rather than fetal health.

Most babies continue developing normally.

Myth 4: If The Placenta Looks Normal At 20 Weeks, No Further Monitoring Is Ever Needed

False.

Healthcare providers continue monitoring pregnancy throughout the second and third trimesters because new information can emerge as pregnancy progresses.

Questions Parents Frequently Ask

“Can I Improve My Placenta’s Health?”

Maintaining overall pregnancy health is the best approach.

This includes:

• Attending prenatal appointments
• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying hydrated
• Following medical advice
• Avoiding smoking

“Will I Feel If My Placenta Has A Problem?”

Not necessarily.

Many placental findings are identified during ultrasound examinations rather than through symptoms.

“Can The Placenta Move?”

The placenta itself does not actively move.

However, as the uterus grows, the placenta often appears farther away from the cervix.

This is why many low-lying placentas identified during mid-pregnancy are no longer low later in pregnancy.

“Will The Scan Tell Me If The Placenta Is Working Perfectly?”

No.

Ultrasound provides valuable information but cannot directly measure every aspect of placental function.

Doctors combine ultrasound findings with fetal growth and other assessments.

“How Common Are Placental Problems?”

Most pregnancies have healthy placental development and normal placental function.

Significant placental abnormalities are relatively uncommon.

A Note From A Physiotherapist

Many expectant mothers become worried when they hear unfamiliar placental terms during an ultrasound appointment.

Words such as “low-lying placenta” or “placenta previa” can sound frightening.

However, medical terminology often sounds more alarming than the reality.

One of the most reassuring things about modern prenatal care is that placental assessment allows doctors to identify concerns early and monitor them appropriately.

In many cases, findings that initially seem concerning become much less significant as pregnancy progresses.

Information is not the enemy.

Information helps healthcare teams provide better care.

What The Placenta Checkup Cannot Tell You

Even a detailed placental assessment cannot predict:

• Your baby’s personality
• Intelligence
• Future talents
• Emotional development
• Academic achievements

The placenta checkup focuses on pregnancy health and support systems.

It provides important medical information, but it does not define who your child will become.

One Less Thing To Worry About

Many women attend their anatomy scan expecting every conversation to focus on the baby.

Then they hear the sonographer discussing the placenta and immediately assume something is wrong.

In reality, placental assessment is a routine part of prenatal care.

Doctors check the placenta because it plays a critical role in supporting pregnancy.

Most placental findings are normal.

Many findings that require follow-up eventually resolve naturally.

If Nobody Has Told You This Today…

Your placenta has been working around the clock since early pregnancy.

It quietly delivers oxygen.

It supplies nutrients.

It supports growth.

And it does all of this without you even noticing.

The mid-pregnancy placenta checkup simply helps healthcare providers ensure that this remarkable organ continues doing its job effectively.

Final Thoughts

A placenta checkup during mid-pregnancy is an essential component of the routine anatomy scan.

By evaluating placental location, structure, relationship to the cervix, and overall appearance, healthcare providers gain valuable information about pregnancy health and fetal support.

Although some findings may require follow-up monitoring,

most placenta assessments are reassuring and help ensure that both mother and baby continue progressing safely through pregnancy.

The most important thing to remember is this:

The placenta may not receive as much attention as the baby during pregnancy, but it plays an equally important role.

A mid-pregnancy placenta checkup helps ensure that the baby’s lifeline is functioning and positioned as expected, providing reassurance and supporting the healthiest possible pregnancy.

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Medical Disclaimer!

This article has been reviewed and written under the guidance of our Head Physiotherapist, Dr. Kruti Raj (PT, MUHS,CPT,CMPT). The information shared is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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