What are the Treatments for Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa is a condition in pregnant woman in which the placenta is located so low in the uterus that it partly or completely covers the opening of the cervix. Because the baby must exit through the cervix during labor, a placenta that is in the way will likely cause excessive bleeding during delivery. The bleeding could also occur during the third trimester, before the baby arrives.

  1. How Common is Placenta Previa?

    • Placenta previa occurs in about one out of every 200 pregnant women. It's not yet known what causes the condition, although it is more common in women who have had children before, who are carrying multiples, who are older, who smoke or who have had uterine surgery, including Cesarean sections, in the past.

    What is a Low-Lying Placenta?

    • Just because a pregnant woman shows early signs of placenta previa (referred to as a "low-lying placenta") doesn't mean that it will actually occur. Often as a pregnancy proceeds, the placenta will shift away from the cervical opening as the uterus grows and expands.

    What are the Signs of Placenta Previa?

    • An ultrasound is the surest way to detect placenta previa, but another sign is painless vaginal bleeding occurring near the end of the second trimester or the beginning of the third trimester. The bleeding tends to be bright red and recurring. If you are experiencing any bleeding late in your pregnancy, you should contact your health care provider immediately.

    How to Treat Placenta Previa

    • If the placenta is close to the cervix but not covering it in any way, you will likely be told by your health care provider to abstain from sex, stay on bed rest, and report immediately any bleeding that occurs. If bleeding does happen, you will likely be hospitalized and scheduled for a Cesarean section for as soon as the baby is developed enough to be delivered. If the bleeding is difficult to control, you will likely undergo an emergency Cesarean section.

    When You Need to Have a Cesarean Section

    • If, late in the pregnancy, the placenta is covering the cervical opening by even a little bit, you will likely be told by your health care provider that you will need to schedule a Cesarean section. Any damage to the placenta during vaginal delivery, which is likely if it is covering the cervix, could result in serious health risks for both the baby and the mother. Visit your health care provider regularly during your pregnancy so that conditions such as placenta previa can be detected early and monitored carefully.

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