Placenta Previa Essay

Placenta previa is a bleeding disorder that can cause bleeding in late pregnancy. This condition occurs when the placenta attaches and develops in the lower part of the uterus instead of the upper, fundal portion of the uterus. There are different degrees of placenta previa depending on the relation to the cervix: marginal, partial, or total. Marginal or low-lying is when the placenta is attached to the lower portion but is not touching the cervical os. The low-lying is sometimes not considered true placenta previa and may or may not be accompanied by bleeding. Partial or incomplete is when the placenta is attached to the lower portion and is partially covering the cervical os. Total or complete is when the entire cervical os is covered by

The mothers risk for hemorrhage increases as they pregnancy proceeds, due to the changes that occur in the cervix. The cervix thins or begins to efface and opens or dilates, which can disrupt the placenta. As a result of the placenta being in an ‘abnormal’ position and covering the cervix the fetus is usually in an irregular presentation, e.g. breech or transverse lie. Breech is where both feet and the buttocks present at the cervix instead of the head. Transverse lie is when the fetus is at right angles with the mother’s

The goal is to maintain pregnancy until the lungs of the fetus are matured, usually at about 34 weeks. Corticosteriods, such as betamethasone, can be given to the mother to promote fetal lung maturation if delivery is needed. If bleeding continues, risking the life of mother and baby then delivery, by cesarean section, will be done regardless of gestational age. Cesarean is performed for both partial or total placenta previa. For the low-lying placenta patients may be able to deliver vaginally depending on the amount of blood loss that has already