Introduction

Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication that causes serious vaginal bleeding. Bleeding during pregnancy can happen at any point, but placenta previa often leads to bleeding later in the third trimester. Doctors call it placenta previa when the placenta attaches near the uterus's opening, or cervix, or blocks it. There are three main types: Complete placenta previa: The placenta blocks the cervix. Partial placenta previa: The placenta covers some part of the cervix. Marginal placenta previa: The placenta is close to the cervix but does not cover it.

What Causes Placenta Previa?

Scientists do not understand what leads to placenta previa. Certain factors seem to raise the chances of it happening. These factors include: Having been pregnant before Non-cancerous growths called fibroids in the uterus Surgeries on the uterus or past C-sections Being over 35 years old Being African American or from another nonwhite ethnic group Smoking cigarettes Having placenta previa in an earlier pregnancy Expecting a baby boy

What are the Symptoms of Placenta Previa?

The clearest sign of placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding with bright red blood. This is most likely to happen during the last months of pregnancy. Sometimes, women feel mild contractions or cramping in the lower belly. The signs of placenta previa might seem similar to other medical issues. Visit your doctor to get the right diagnosis.

How do Doctors Diagnose Placenta Previa?

Your doctor will go through your medical history and perform a physical assessment. They will use an ultrasound as part of the process. An ultrasound creates a detailed image of your internal organs showing where the placenta is located and how much of it might cover the cervix. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may be done instead.

What are the Treatment Options for Placenta Previa?

The main aim is to keep you as close to your due date as possible. If heavy bleeding does not stop, a C-section is the safest option. How placenta previa is managed depends on: How much bleeding is happening? How far along are you in your pregnancy? Where the placenta and baby are positioned. The condition of both you and your baby. If a doctor detects placenta previa in the second trimester, it might resolve on its own. As your uterus stretches to make room for the baby, the placenta’s position can shift. When placenta previa is diagnosed later in pregnancy, the chances of it moving higher in the uterus are lower. If the placenta lies close to or blocks the cervix and there is no bleeding, doctors might suggest: Avoid heavy activities like running, exercising, or lifting. Bed rest at home Skipping sexual intercourse using tampons or douching Attending prenatal checkups and ultrasounds more often With more serious cases of placenta previa or repeated bleeding, the treatment options could include: Bed rest in a hospital Medications designed to stop early labour Steroid injections that help the baby's lungs grow quicker. Blood transfusions after severe blood loss. A quick C-section in case of large uncontrollable bleeding.

What are the Complications Linked to Placenta Previa?

The biggest danger with placenta previa is severe bleeding, or haemorrhage. Bleeding starts when the lower part of the uterus gets thinner during the third trimester. This thinning makes the placenta covering the cervix bleed. The risk increases when a larger part of the placenta covers the cervix. Other issues that may happen include: The placenta not attaching to the uterus Your baby growing slower than expected in the womb Early birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy Birth problems in the baby

When should I contact my Doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you notice any bleeding while pregnant. Bleeding during pregnancy might not always mean something is wrong. But if the bleeding is heavy or you feel pain, reach out to your doctor.