Placenta previa

Overview

Pregnancy-related placenta previa is an issue when the entire or partial part of the placenta blocks the uterine opening (cervix).

During pregnancy, an organ called the placenta grows inside the uterus. The function of the placenta is to provide the newborn with nutrition and oxygen as well as removing the fetus’s waste. Your baby and the placenta are linked by the umbilical cord. Normally, the placenta will attach to the top or at either side of the uterus. The condition where the placenta attaches lower in the uterus is called placenta previa. As a result, the cervix is partially covered by placental tissue. It can lead to bleeding during labor, during the pregnancy, or after delivery.

Pregnancy-related alterations to the uterus and placenta may cause the issue to resolve itself. If not, a cesarean section will be chosen to deliver the infant (C-section).

Symptoms

Placenta previa usually present with painless vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks of pregnancy, although bleeding from placenta previa can be associate with contraction that cause pain. Spot bleeding can occasionally occur before a situation involving significant blood loss.

Other factors that can cause bleeding include intercourse and being examined by a doctor.

Call your doctor as soon as you notice vaginal bleeding during second or third trimester. Go to an emergency room if the bleeding is serious.

Causes

The cause of placenta previa is unknown. Your medical history and particular lifestyle choices are a couple of things that could increase the risk of having placenta previa.

Risk factors

The likelihood of placenta previa is higher in women who:

• Have been pregnant before
• Previous uterine scar
• Had a previous pregnancy with placenta previa
• Being 35 years of age or more
• Being pregnant after undergoing a surgery using assisted reproductive technology (ART) to address
• infertility
• History of Caesarian section
• Multiple fetal pregnancy
• Having a uterine fibroid history
• Use cocaine
• Smoke