Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is attached close to or covering the cervix (opening of the uterus). Placenta previa occurs in about one in every 200 live births.

Types of Placenta Previa
What causes Placenta Previa?
Why is Placenta Previa dangerous?
What are the symptoms of Placenta Previa?
How is Placenta Previa diagnosed?
How is Placenta Previa treated?

Bleeding During Pregnancy - Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

Total Placenta Previa

With Total Placenta Previa, the placenta totally covers the cervix.

Partial Placenta Previa

With Partial Placenta Previa, the placenta partially covers the cervix.

Marginal Placenta Previa

With Marginal Placenta Previa, the placenta is near the edge of the cervix.

What causes Placenta Previa?

The exact cause of placenta previa is unknown, but it is associated with certain conditions including the following:

Women who have scarring of the uterine wall from previous pregnancies
Women who have fibroids or other abnormalities of the uterus
Women who have had previous uterine surgeries or cesarean deliveries
Older mothers (over age 35)
African-American or other minority race mothers
Cigarette smoking
Placenta previa in a previous pregnancy

Why is Placenta Previa dangerous?

The greatest risk of placenta previa is bleeding (or hemorrhage). Bleeding often occurs as the lower part of the uterus thins during the third trimester of pregnancy in preparation for labor. This causes the area of the placenta over the cervix to bleed. The more of the placenta that covers the cervical os, the greater the risk for bleeding. Other risks include the following:

Abnormal implantation of the placenta
Slowed fetal growth
Preterm birth
Birth defects
Infection after delivery

What are the symptoms of Placenta Previa?

The most common symptom of placenta previa is vaginal bleeding that is bright red and not associated with abdominal tenderness or pain, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.

However, each woman may exhibit different symptoms of the condition or symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is Placenta Previa diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, an ultrasound may be used to diagnose placenta previa. An ultrasound can show the location of the placenta and how much is covering the cervix. A vaginal ultrasound may be more accurate in diagnosis.

Although ultrasound may show a low-lying placenta in early pregnancy, only a few women will develop true placenta previa. It is common for the placenta to move upwards and away from the cervix as the uterus grows, called placental migration

How is Placenta Previa treated?

Specific treatment for placenta previa will be determined by your physician based on:

Your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history
The extent of the condition
Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Expectations for the course of the condition
Your opinion or preference

There is no treatment to change the position of the placenta. Once placenta previa is diagnosed, additional ultrasound examinations are often performed to track its location. It may be necessary to deliver the baby, depending on the amount of bleeding, the gestational age, and condition of the fetus. Cesarean delivery is necessary for most cases of placenta previa. Severe blood loss may require a blood transfusion.

Bleeding During Pregnancy - Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

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