What is Placenta Previa_

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Introduction
Placenta previa is an implantation of the placenta in the lower uterine segment, near or over the internal cervical os, and is usually seen in the third trimester. This tends to occur in 1 out of every 200 pregnancies, can be caused by many different reasons and there several different types. Some reasons researches are looking into include race, ethnicity and drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Placenta previa can be a very scary diagnosis for a pregnant mom but knowing what to look for, seeking medical treatment early and by complying with doctors’ orders, mothers can have a safe delivery and a happy, healthy baby.
Disease Process
The Placenta moves as the womb stretches and grows during pregnancy. Commonly, the placenta is low lying in the cervix during the first trimester and as the pregnancy progresses it should implant closer to the top of the womb in the third trimester but sometimes this doesn’t always happen. When the placenta covers the cervix this is called previa and there are three different forms. The first type is low implantation or marginal previa. The placenta does not cover the opening but is next to the cervix. The next type is partial and that is when the placenta covers part of the cervical opening. Lastly there is complete; the cervical opening is completely covered by the placenta. Once the mother starts dilating and begins to efface, hemorrhage or bleeding occurs. Depending on the severity of the previa it can make a vaginal delivery very complicated and will most likely result in the mother having a C-section.
Causes
Most commonly placenta previa will occur in women that have a uterus that is abnormally shaped or have had several previous pregnancies. Multiple babies, such as twi...

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...hat isn’t the case in every type of previa and the doctor will be able to help make the safest decision for mom and baby. With support from family, nursing staff and the doctor, they can make the delivery process of a mother with placenta previa just as wonderful and special as any delivery.

References
Aliya, M. H., Lynch, O., Nana, P. N., Alio, A. P., Wilson, R. E., Marty, P. J., . . . Salihu, H. M. (2010). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and risk of placental previa. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 671-675.
Kim, A., Caughtney, A., Laguardia, J., & Escobar, G. (2011). Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of placenta previa. Journal of Perinatology, 260-264.
Taki, M., Sato, Y., Kazuyokakui, Tatsumi, K., Fujiwara, H., & Konishi, I. (2012). Management of fetal death with placenta previa. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 196-199.

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