Placenta Previa is a pregnancy complication where the placenta which serves as the connection of the fetus for nourishment, gas exchange and waste elimination, lies on the opening of the cervix. Normally the placenta is located on the upper part of the uterine wall opposite of the cervical opening.  The placenta connects from the mother through the wall of the uterus and goes to the fetus through the umbilical cord. When labor occurs the cervix becomes soft in preparation for the baby’s passage. In placenta previa, labor contractions and the softening of the cervix can lead to early detachment of the placenta which causes bleeding. Bleeding may put the life of the baby and the mother in danger.

Placenta previa often occurs on the second and third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by painless vaginal bleeding. Some pregnant women may experience “spotting” or intermittent vaginal bleeding in their first trimester but bleeding from placenta previa mostly occurs on the end of the second trimester and third trimester. The blood appears as bright red and usually stops in between weeks while others may experience it every 2 days or so.

There are 3 types of placenta previa.

Total Placenta Previa: placenta covers the opening of the cervix completely.

Partial Placenta Previa: placenta covers only part of the cervical opening.

Marginal Placenta Previa: placenta is at the edge of the cervical opening.

Low lying Placenta Previa: placenta lies on the lower part of the uterus but does touch the cervical opening.

The exact cause of placenta previa is unknown. A number of risk factors associated to contribute to its development are:

• The uterus may have scars from previous pregnancies, surgeries or in some cases uterine abnormalities such as polyps or an abnormal uterine shape.
• Pregnancy in your 30’s
• A prior incident of placenta previa
• Abortion (induced)
• Smoking
• Having twins or triplets
• A previous childbirth through caesarian section

If diagnosed with placenta previa your physician may advise you to have bed rest depending on the type of placenta previa and the condition of the baby. This will prevent bleeding that could lead to shock or premature delivery of the baby. Sometimes when the placenta is deeply implanted in the uterus it will not detach after the baby has come out. This is a rare condition called placenta accreta; this will often result in continuous bleeding. Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus is performed to prevent shock from hemorrhage.

Placenta previa is treated depending on the type of placenta previa and amount of bleeding involved. For minimal bleeding bed rest is advised. Avoid sexual intercourse and other vaginal exams to prevent bleeding. If bleeding is present already as in the case of those with total placenta previa in early labor, the need for a blood transfusion may be advised. If normal delivery would not be possible a C-section will be performed. Intensive care for the baby should be anticipated since it may be a premature delivery.

Related posts:

1. What Happens to the Cervix During Pregnancy and Labor?
2. Why Do Some Women Need to Medically Induce Labor?
3. Recognizing Preterm Labor
4. What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
5. Braxton Hicks Contractions