Placenta Previa: Causes, Symptoms, and Safe Pregnancy Practices
– Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers all or part of the opening to the cervical opening at the top of the vagina
– Occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies
– Can cause serious bleeding and complications later in pregnancy
– Risk factors include previous c-section, in vitro fertilization, smoking, cocaine use, age 35 or older, previous pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, and previous episodes of placenta previa
– Symptoms may include painless bleeding from the vagina during the second half of pregnancy and contractions
– Diagnosis is typically done through a routine ultrasound test
– Placenta previa can be detected through ultrasound, including transvaginal ultrasound and translabial ultrasound
– Three-dimensional ultrasound may also be used
– Placenta previa can be found in the second trimester even without vaginal bleeding
– Treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy, severity of bleeding, and the health of the mother and baby
– C-section is recommended for nearly everyone with placenta previa to prevent severe bleeding
– Early in pregnancy with no symptoms may require no treatment but follow-up ultrasounds
– Bleeding as a result of placenta previa requires close monitoring in the hospital
– Blood transfusions may be given if there is excessive bleeding
– Corticosteroids may be given to help with baby’s lung development in case of preterm delivery
– Severe bleeding at 34 to 36 weeks may require an immediate c-section
– Amniocentesis may be performed at 36 to 37 weeks to test for fully developed lungs in the baby
– Certain activities should be avoided with placenta previa, including orgasm-inducing sex, vaginal penetration or examinations, moderate/strenuous exercise, lifting more than 20 pounds, and standing for more than four hours