Placenta Previa In Babies

Placenta previa is a condition in pregnant women where the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus. The placenta either partially or completely covers the opening to the cervix. This is a problem because the baby must pass through the cervix during delivery. There are three types of placenta previa. They include:

Marginal placenta previa. The placenta is near the cervix, but does not cover the opening.

Partial placenta previa. The placenta covers part of the cervical opening.

Complete placenta previa. The placenta covers the entire cervical opening.

Depending on the type of placenta previa, there is a chance the placenta may move into a normal position and no longer cover the cervix as the pregnancy progresses. It is important to

keep all prenatal visits with your caregiver.
RISK FACTORS

You may be more likely to develop placenta previa if you:
Are carrying more than one baby (multiples).
Have an abnormally shaped uterus.

Have scars on the lining of the uterus.

Had previous surgeries involving the uterus, such as a cesarean delivery.

Have delivered a baby previously.

Have a history of placenta previa.

Have smoked or used cocaine during pregnancy.

Are age 35 or older during pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS

The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden, painless vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy. The amount of bleeding can be light to very heavy. The bleeding may stop on its own, but almost always returns. Cramping, regular contractions, abdominal pain, and lower back pain can also occur with placenta previa.

DIAGNOSIS

Placenta previa can be diagnosed through an ultrasound by finding where the placenta is located. The ultrasound may find placenta previa either during a routine prenatal visit or after vaginal bleeding is noticed. If you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your caregiver may avoid vaginal exams to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding. There is a chance that placenta previa may not be diagnosed until bleeding occurs during labor.

TREATMENT

Specific treatment depends on:

How much you are bleeding or if the bleeding has stopped.

How far along you are in your pregnancy.

The condition of the

baby.
The location of the baby and placenta.
The type of placenta previa.
Depending on the factors above, your caregiver may recommend:
Decreased activity.
Bed rest at home or in the hospital.
Pelvic rest. This means no sex, using tampons, douching, pelvic exams, or placing anything into the vagina.
A blood transfusion to replace maternal blood loss.
A cesarean delivery if the bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled or the placenta completely covers the cervix.
Medication to stop premature labor or mature the fetal lungs if delivery is needed before the pregnancy is full term.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF YOU ARE SENT HOME WITH PLACENTA PREVIA?

Seek immediate medical care if you show any symptoms of placenta previa. You will need to go to the hospital to get checked immediately. Again, those symptoms are:
Sudden, painless vaginal bleeding, even a small amount.
Cramping or regular contractions.
Lower back or abdominal pain.