Placenta Previa.

 

Placenta Previa is a pregnancy complication where the placenta is abnormally positioned in the uterus, covering or being very close to the cervix. The placenta is the organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy, and when it covers the cervix, it can cause complications during delivery.

 

Types of Placenta Previa:

 

1. Complete Placenta Previa: The placenta completely covers the cervix.
2. Partial Placenta Previa: The placenta partially covers the cervix.
3. Marginal Placenta Previa: The placenta is located at the edge of the cervix.
4. Low-lying Placenta: The placenta is located low in the uterus but does not cover the cervix.

 

Symptoms:

• Painless vaginal bleeding: Often the first sign, typically occurring in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• Premature labor: In some cases, it may trigger early labor.

 

Causes:

• Previous cesarean deliveries: Women who have had previous C-sections are at higher risk.
• Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins or more can increase the likelihood.
• Advanced maternal age: Women over the age of 35 are more likely to experience placenta previa.
• Other risk factors: Prior uterine surgery, multiple pregnancies, or a history of placenta previa in previous pregnancies.

 

Diagnosis:

Placenta previa is usually diagnosed through an ultrasound, often performed during routine prenatal visits, especially if bleeding occurs.

 

Treatment and Management:

• Rest and monitoring: If bleeding is mild, doctors may recommend bed rest or limiting physical activity.
• Cesarean section: If the placenta is covering the cervix at the time of delivery, a C-section is generally required to avoid complications during a vaginal birth, such as heavy bleeding.
• Monitoring: Frequent ultrasounds to track the placenta’s position as pregnancy progresses.

 

Risks and Complications:

• Heavy bleeding: Placenta previa can lead to severe bleeding that could be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
• Preterm birth: The condition may cause early labor or require early delivery.
• Placental abruption: In some cases, the placenta may detach from the uterine wall prematurely.