Download Placenta Previa - Patient Education Institute

Placenta Previa
Introduction
Placenta previa is a condition that happens during pregnancy where the placenta
partially or completely covers the cervix. The cervix is the opening from the uterus to
the vagina. If you have placenta previa, it can cause life threatening bleeding before
and during the delivery of your baby.
This reference summary explains placenta previa. It covers the symptoms and causes
of the disorder. It also talks about diagnosis and treatment options.
The Placenta
The female reproductive organs
include:
• The ovaries.
• The Fallopian tubes.
• The uterus.
• The vagina.
Ovaries
Fallopian Tubes
The female reproductive organs are
located in the pelvis, between the
urinary bladder and the rectum. The
uterus is where your baby grows
and develops during pregnancy.
Uterus
Vagina
The placenta forms during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of the uterus. Normally,
the placenta attaches to the top or side of the uterus. Placenta previa happens when
the placenta connects to the lower area of the uterus. The placenta provides the baby
with nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy. This is done through the umbilical cord,
which is connected to the placenta and the abdomen of the baby. The placenta leaves
your body right after your baby is born. It is then called the afterbirth.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 02/15/2017
og980101
1
Placenta previa may block the path taken by the baby during vaginal birth. If the birth is
allowed to go ahead vaginally with the cervix blocked by the placenta, the placenta can
rupture and lead to severe bleeding. It may prevent oxygen from reaching the baby,
possibly leading to death and or severe brain damage.
Symptoms
The main symptom of placenta previa is painless, bright
red vaginal bleeding during the second half of your
pregnancy. The bleeding may be light or heavy. Placenta
previa may also cause premature contractions. The
bleeding caused by placenta previa often will stop on its
own. But without treatment, it may happen again days or
weeks later. Contact your health care provider right away
if you have vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy could be a sign of a
serious problem. Severe bleeding can be life threatening.
Placenta previa happens when a fertilized egg attaches
itself to the lower part of the uterus. This can cause the placenta to grow over the
cervix. A placenta that is barely touching the cervix may not be a problem. The uterus
will expand and pull the placenta higher, away from the cervix.
A placenta that covers the entire cervix may not fix itself during the pregnancy. This
may be caused by:
• A large placenta due to multiple babies.
• An unusually shaped uterus.
• Scar tissue in the lining of the uterus.
Some risk factors for developing placenta previa include:
• Asian family background.
• Being age 35 or older.
• Carrying multiple babies.
Other risk factors for developing placenta previa include:
• Giving birth to at least one previous baby.
• Prior cases of placenta previa.
• Smoking.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 02/15/2017
og980101
2
There is also a higher risk for developing placenta previa with women who have had
prior surgeries involving the uterus. Some of those surgeries include:
• C-section.
• Dilation and curettage, or D and C.
• Uterine fibroid removal.
Cesarean delivery, also known as a C-section, is a surgical
procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's
abdomen. D and C is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is
opened and a thin instrument is inserted into the uterus. The
instrument is used to remove tissue. Uterine fibroid removal is a
surgical procedure to remove noncancerous growths from the
uterus.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider may diagnose
placenta previa during a second trimester
ultrasound. This may happen during a routine
exam or an exam scheduled due to vaginal
bleeding. Both an abdominal ultrasound and a
transvaginal ultrasound may be needed to
diagnose placenta previa.
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create
images of the inside of your body. These
waves are pointed at different organs inside
your body using a hand-held device called a
transducer. An abdominal ultrasound test is
done with a transducer on your skin. A
transvaginal ultrasound uses a different type of
transducer that is inserted into your vagina.
Abdominal Ultrasound
An MRI may also be used to locate the placenta and diagnose placenta previa. An MRI
uses high-energy radio waves and magnets to create images of structures and organs
inside your body. If you have placenta previa, your health care provider may do fewer
vaginal exams during your pregnancy. This can reduce the risk of heavy vaginal
bleeding. Extra ultrasounds may be needed to track the location of the placenta and
the heartbeat of your baby.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 02/15/2017
og980101
3
Treatment
Treatment for placenta previa depends on various factors, including:
• The amount of vaginal bleeding.
• Whether the bleeding has stopped.
• How far along you are in your pregnancy.
• Your health.
• Your baby's health.
• The position of the placenta and the baby.
Your health care provider may recommend bed rest at home if
you have mild bleeding. Sit and stand only when necessary.
Sexual intercourse and exercise can cause bleeding and
should be avoided. Contact your health care provider right
away if bleeding happens again.
If you have heavy bleeding, your health care provider may recommend bed rest at a
health care facility. A blood transfusion through an IV may also be needed.
Medications may be given to prevent early labor. A C-section may be needed if
bleeding does not stop.
Summary
Placenta previa is a condition that happens during pregnancy where the placenta
partially or completely covers the cervix. The cervix is the
opening from the uterus to the vagina. The placenta forms
during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of the uterus.
Normally, the placenta attaches to the top or side of the
uterus. Placenta previa happens when the placenta
connects to the lower area of the uterus.
The main symptom of placenta previa is painless, bright
red vaginal bleeding during the second half of your
pregnancy. The bleeding may be light or heavy. Placenta
previa may also cause premature contractions. The
bleeding caused by placenta previa often will stop on its
own. But without treatment, it may happen again days or
weeks later.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 02/15/2017
og980101
4
Treatment for placenta previa depends on various factors, including:
• The amount of vaginal bleeding.
• Whether the bleeding has stopped.
Other factors may include:
• How far along you are in your pregnancy.
• Your health.
• Your baby's health.
• The position of the placenta and the baby.
Your health care provider may recommend bed rest at home if
you have mild bleeding. Sit and stand only when necessary.
Sexual intercourse and exercise can cause bleeding and
should be avoided. If you have heavy bleeding, your health
care provider may recommend bed rest at a health care facility. A blood transfusion
through an IV may also be needed. Medications may be given to prevent early labor.
A C-section may be needed if bleeding does not stop. This is a surgical procedure
used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother's abdomen. Contact your
health care provider right away if you have vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy.
Early treatment may help prevent problems.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2017, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 02/15/2017
og980101
5