Placenta Previa – Symptoms and Causes
What Is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa happens when the placenta attaches too low in the uterus during pregnancy. Normally, the placenta attaches to the top or side of the uterus.
In placenta previa, it attaches lower and covers part or all of the cervix (the opening of the uterus).
This condition can cause bleeding during pregnancy. The bleeding often happens without pain. Sometimes, it can be severe enough to threaten both the mother and baby’s health.
Many cases of placenta previa detected early in pregnancy resolve on their own as the uterus grows. The placenta may shift away from the cervix as pregnancy progresses.
Delivery Options
When placenta previa doesn’t resolve, doctors must carefully plan the birth. A cesarean section (C-section) is almost always needed to prevent serious bleeding during delivery.
Medical professionals will monitor the pregnancy closely. They may recommend:
- Limited physical activity
- Pelvic rest (no sexual intercourse)
- Frequent checkups
- Hospital admission if bleeding occurs
The baby might need to be delivered early if heavy bleeding happens. The healthcare team will balance the risks of premature birth against the risks of continued bleeding.
Symptoms
The key symptom of placenta previa is bright red bleeding from the vagina after the 20th week of pregnancy. This bleeding typically occurs without pain. Some women may experience light spotting before a more significant bleeding episode happens.
In some cases, bleeding may happen along with contractions that cause discomfort. Sexual activity or medical examinations can sometimes trigger bleeding.
Not all women experience symptoms earlyโsome may only notice bleeding when labor begins. Many times, bleeding starts without any obvious cause.
When to Get Medical Help
Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any vaginal bleeding in your second or third trimester of pregnancy. For severe bleeding, don’t wait – seek emergency medical care immediately.
Prompt medical attention is essential to protect both you and your baby.
Why Placenta Previa Happens
The exact reason placenta previa occurs remains unknown. Medical experts have not yet identified a specific cause for this condition, where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix during pregnancy.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chances of developing placenta previa:
- Having previous pregnancies
- Previous cesarean section
- Uterine scarring from surgery
- History of placenta previa
- Fertility treatments (ART)
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
- Age 35 or older
- Tobacco use
- Cocaine use
These factors may affect how the placenta attaches to the uterine wall during pregnancy. If you have any of these risk factors, your doctor will likely monitor your pregnancy more closely.
Complications
Placenta previa can lead to several serious health issues for both mother and baby:
Severe bleeding may occur during pregnancy, labor, or shortly after delivery. This bleeding can become life-threatening in some cases and requires immediate medical attention.
Early delivery might be necessary if heavy bleeding happens. Doctors may need to perform an emergency C-section before the baby reaches full term to protect both mother and child.
Placenta growth abnormalities can develop alongside placenta previa. In these conditions, the placenta grows too deeply into or completely through the uterine wall. This situation significantly increases the risk of dangerous bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
