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Placenta Previa Questions Answered
By Susan Tanner
What is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa literally means afterbirth first. It is a
condition in which the placenta - the flapjack-shaped
organ that supplies the fetus with nutrients through the
umbilical cord - implants itself unusually low in the
uterus, next to or covering your cervix.
If the placenta completely covers the cervical opening it
is known as a complete or total placenta previa. If it only
partially covers the opening, it is known as a partial
placenta previa. If it is within two centimeters of the
cervix but not covering it, the condition is known as a
marginal placenta previa.
What causes this condition?
Placenta previa happens when an embryo implants
itself in the lower uterus. Then, when the placenta
grows, it may partially or completely cover the cervical
opening.
Is placenta previa serious?
Placenta previa discovered early in pregnancy is not yet
cause for alarm. More often than not, the placenta will
fix itself, "migrating" away from the cervix. In actuality,
the placenta is attached to the uterus and does not
move. But as the uterus grows, the placenta may end
up farther from your cervix. In addition, the placenta
itself has a general tendency to grow toward the richer
blood supply at the top of the uterus.
In fact, only about 10% of women diagnosed with
placenta previa at mid-pregnancy still have it when their time
comes to deliver. Unfortunately, a total placenta previa
is less likely to resolve itself than a marginal or low-lying
placenta.
What if the condition persists?
Even if you have placenta previa later in pregnancy, it
may still move away from the cervical opening. You will
need to have a follow-up ultrasound early in your third
trimester to check on the condition of the placenta. You
may need an examination sooner if you experience any
vaginal bleeding.
If your placenta previa persists, you will need to be very
careful. You should have regular ultrasounds and be
wary of vaginal bleeding. Your doctor will tell you to
avoid and strenuous activities and heavy lifting and
avoid having sex for the rest of your pregnancy.
Bleeding?
Bleeding from placenta previa can range from spotting
to extremely heavy. This happens when the cervix
begins to dilate. It is usually painless and starts without
warning. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, you
may need to deliver your baby immediately and may
also need a blood transfusion.
If you begin bleeding or having contractions, you will
have to be hospitalized. Depending on the amount of
bleeding, the health of you and the baby, and how far
along you are in your pregnancy, the baby may need to
be delivered by c-section immediately.
If the bleeding stops and everything is ok, you will likely
be sent home. But if the bleeding starts again, you will
have to return to the hospital immediately.
What about the delivery?
If you still have placenta previa when you are ready to
deliver, you will need to have a c-section. Unfortunately
having placenta previa may increase your risk for other
complications. For instance, you may be at risk of heavy
bleeding during and after delivery. Once the baby is
delivered the placenta will be delivered and you will be
given medications that will cause your uterus to
contract. This helps to stop the bleeding from the area of the
uterus where the placenta was implanted.
Unfortunately, women who have placenta previa are
also more likely to have placenta accrete, a condition
where the placenta is implanted too deeply and does
not separate easily at delivery. Although placenta
accrete only occurs in about one out of 2,500 births overall,
your chances of developing this problem are one out of
ten if you still have placenta previa when the time
comes to deliver. This may cause severe bleeding and a
blood transfusion and hysterectomy may be necessary
to stop the bleeding.
Who's at risk for placenta previa?
For most women, there are no apparent warning signs,
but if any of the following risk factors apply to you, your
chances may be increased.
* You have had placenta previa in an earlier
pregnancy
* You've had previous c-sections
* You're having a multiple pregnancy
* You've had uterine surgery
* You are a cigarette smoker
* You use cocaine
As always, if you ever notice any bleeding or pains in
your abdomen, call your doctor right away.
About the Author
Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net. Pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to find support and valuable information. Please visit Pregnancy-Guide for valuable pregnancy information.
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