Can I squat to use the toilet with a low-lying placenta?

Pregnant women with a low-lying placenta are advised against squatting while using the toilet. Squatting increases abdominal pressure, which may pull or compress the placenta, raising the risk of complications such as bleeding or placental abruption—especially during the second and third trimesters. Immediate medical attention is recommended if symptoms like vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain occur.

When the placenta is low-lying, it is located near or covering the cervix, making its attachment less stable. Squatting increases intra-abdominal pressure, which directly affects the uterus. This may stretch the lower uterine segment, pulling on the site where the placenta is attached and potentially causing rupture of the placental edge blood vessels, leading to painless vaginal bleeding.

In addition, prolonged squatting can impair blood circulation in the lower limbs, causing dizziness or weakness in pregnant women. Rising too quickly from a squatting position may also lead to orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of falls and indirectly endangering the safety of both mother and baby. Therefore, pregnant women with a low-lying placenta should avoid squatting as much as possible.

It is recommended that these women use a seated toilet to reduce abdominal pressure; avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and excessive bending in daily activities; and maintain regular bowel movements to prevent straining during constipation, thereby minimizing adverse effects on the placenta.