Overview

The placenta is a structure that develops inside your uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrition to and removing wastes from your baby. The placenta connects to your baby through the umbilical cord. In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus.

Placenta previa (pluh-SEN-tuh PREH-vee-uh) occurs when a baby's placenta partially or totally covers the mother's cervix — the outlet for the uterus. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.

If you have placenta previa, you might bleed throughout your pregnancy and during your delivery. Your health care provider will recommend avoiding activities that might cause contractions, including having sex, douching, using tampons, or engaging in activities that can increase your risk of bleeding, such as running, squatting, and jumping.

You'll need a C-section to deliver your baby if the placenta previa doesn't resolve.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy is the main sign of placenta previa. Some women also have contractions.

In many women diagnosed with placenta previa early in their pregnancies, the placenta previa resolves. As the uterus grows, it might increase the distance between the cervix and the placenta. The more the placenta covers the cervix and the later in the pregnancy that it remains over the cervix, the less likely it is to resolve.

When to see a doctor

If you have vaginal bleeding during your second or third trimester, call your doctor right away. If the bleeding is severe, seek emergency medical care.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The exact cause of placenta previa is unknown.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Placenta previa is diagnosed through ultrasound, either during a routine prenatal appointment or after an episode of vaginal bleeding. Most cases of placenta previa are diagnosed during a second trimester ultrasound exam.

Diagnosis might require a combination of abdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound, which is done with a wandlike device placed inside your vagina. Your health care provider will take care with the position of the transducer in your vagina so as not to disrupt the placenta or cause bleeding.

If your health care provider suspects placenta previa, he or she will avoid routine vaginal exams to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding. You might need additional ultrasounds to check the location of your placenta during your pregnancy to see if placenta previa resolves.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

If you have placenta previa, your health care provider will monitor you and your baby to reduce the risk of these serious complications:

• Bleeding. Severe, possibly life-threatening vaginal bleeding (hemorrhage) can occur during labor, delivery or in the first few hours after delivery.
• Preterm birth. Severe bleeding may prompt an emergency C-section before your baby is full term.

Coping and support

If you're diagnosed with placenta previa, you're sure to worry about how your condition will affect you, your baby and your family. Some of these strategies might help you cope:

• Learn about placenta previa. Having information about your condition can help ease your fears. Talk to your health care provider, research on your own and connect with other women who've had placenta previa.
• Prepare for a C-section. Placenta previa might prevent you from delivering your baby vaginally. Remind yourself that you and your baby's health are more important than the method of delivery.
• Make the best of rest. Although you won't be confined to bed, you will have to take it easy. Fill your days by planning for your baby's arrival. Read about newborn care or purchase newborn necessities, either online or by phone. Or use the time to catch up on thank-you notes or other nontaxing tasks.
• Take care of yourself. Surround yourself with things that comfort you, such as good books or music you love. Give your partner, friends and loved ones suggestions for ways to help, such as visiting or making one of your favorite foods.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Placenta previa is more common among women who:

• Have had a baby
• Have scars on the uterus, such as from previous surgery, including cesarean deliveries, uterine fibroid removal, and dilation and curettage
• Had placenta previa with a previous pregnancy
• Are carrying more than one fetus
• Are age 35 or older
• Are of a race other than white
• Smoke
• Use cocaine

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com