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Placenta Previa Symptoms and Treatment

What is placenta previa? If you've heard the word, you have probably figured out just from the word alone that it has something to do with the placenta. You are exactly right. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta attaches in the lower portion of the uterus instead of in the normal position in the upper more muscular portion of the uterus. Placenta previa is a frequent cause of bleeding during the second and third trimester of pregnancy

What are the different types of placenta previa?

Complete previa - The placenta completely covers the cervix.

Partial previa - The placenta covers a portion of the cervix, but does not completely cover the cervix.

Marginal previa - The placenta extends to the edge of the cervix but does not cover it. This can also be called low placental implantation.

What is the cause of placenta previa?

The cause of placenta previa is unknown.

Am I at risk for placenta previa?

Placenta previa occurs in about 1 in 200 births. Risk factors include:

previous history of placenta previa
multiple births
having given birth before (second or greater pregnancy)
smoking
over the age of 35
surgery of the uterus
prior delivery of a baby via cesarean section
history of uterine abnormalities

Symptoms of placenta previa

Vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks of pregnancy is the primary symptom of placenta previa. Bleeding during pregnancy may have another cause, however, it is important to call your doctor if you experience bleeding.

The placenta normally attaches to the upper portion of the uterus which is more muscular and stronger to support the placenta. However, in placenta previa the placenta attaches to the lower portion of the uterus which is weaker, thinner, and more vascular. As you enter your second and third trimester, the cervix begins to thin and stretch in preparation for labor. As this area stretches it can cause the villi (blood vessels) to break therefore causing bleeding. Placenta previa can lead to complications for both mother and baby. Complications that may arise include placenta abruption, hemorrhaging, preterm labor, anemia for either mother or baby.

Treatment of placenta previa

Placenta previa will often correct itself during pregnancy. In more than 90 percent of women diagnosed with placenta previa in the second trimester, the placenta will correct itself by the end of the pregnancy. The placenta itself doesn't actually move, but as the uterus stretches it is not as close to the cervix as it was earlier in pregnancy. Think of it this way, imagine taking a balloon and drawing a circle on it at the lower end of the balloon. Then blow up your balloon. The circle doesn't actually move, but it may not still be at the lower end once it has completed stretching. So for the majority of women, placenta previa will correct itself.

If placenta previa, however, does not correct itself there are several things that can be done to manage it. Placenta previa will usually require bedrest and frequent visits to your doctor or hospital. Vaginal exams are not recommended for the pregnant woman with placenta previa. You may be given steroid shots to mature your baby's lungs because you at risk for delivering early. Treatment will vary depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether you have complete, partial, or marginal placenta previa. If you start bleeding or having contractions, you will be hospitalized. Your doctor will want to monitor you baby's heart rate and monitor your vital signs as well. If bleeding stops, your doctor may send you home on bedrest. If bleeding cannot be controlled an immediate cesarean section is given regardless of length of gestation. If bleeding is controlled your doctor will discuss scheduling a cesarean section with you. In most cases of placenta previa that does not correct itself, a cesarean section is necessary due to the location of the placenta.

Complications after delivery

Because the risk of hemorrhaging is higher for women with placenta previa, mothers will be monitored for signs of hemorrhaging. She may be given medications to control bleeding such as pitocin and a transfusion may sometimes be necessary. Anemia may occur in mother or baby therefore hemoglobin levels will be monitored and iron supplements may be given.

Concerns and Complications

Pregnancy

bleeding

placenta previa

placental issues

11 comments

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By RebekahTanaka on 06/16/13 at 9:48 pm

I also recommend the PREGNANCY MIRACLE GUIDE as a WONDERFUL pregnancy/women's health resource!

By MommieMina on 10/19/12 at 5:02 pm

I am 26 yrs old, first pregnancy and 22 wks. Just got diagnosed with placenta previa (partial) after ultra sound. I have had no symptoms or bleeding b ...

By Juelz2012 on 06/16/12 at 5:58 pm

I am on vacation and 11 weeks pregnant. Asked two doctors if it was safe for me to fly and they both said yes. The night of arrival I bled tons of blood ...

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