Placenta is the round shaped organ that feeds the foetus nutrients through the umbilical cord. Placenta previa is a condition when the placenta is located lower in your uterus. In this condition the placenta either lies near the cervix or covering it.
Causes of placenta previa
Usually with the progress of pregnancy the low lying placenta travels upward and by the third trimester it is ideally at the top of the uterus. Sometimes it may happen that it remains in the lower parts, on or near the cervix. Placenta previa causes include uterine fibroids or if the mother has undergone surgery to remove fibroids. Abnormal development of uterus, multiple pregnancy, uterine surgery, abortions, late pregnancy, smoking and scarred lining of the uterus are causes for incurring placenta previa.
Types of placenta previa
There are three types of placenta previa depending on the position occupied by the placenta. The types are:
- Marginal – the placenta covers the side of the cervix without blocking it
- Partial – the cervical opening is partially covered by the placenta
- Complete – cervical opening is completely covered by the placenta
Placenta previa symptoms
Vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy is one of the primary signs of placenta previa. Contractions and cramps has also been observed in certain cases. The bleeding usually occurs in the second trimester or early in the third trimester. The diagnosis of placenta previa is through ultrasound taken during late second trimester or early third trimester.
Treatment for placenta previa
There are many factors that is taken into consideration before chalking out a treatment plan.
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The amount of vaginal bleeding and whether it has stopped is one of the many things that is observed. How far along you are in your pregnancy, the condition of the mother and the heath of the baby also needs to be taken into account. The position of the foetus and the placenta, determines the course of treatment undertaken.
- Complete bed rest at home
- hospitalization till delivery
- C-section
- premature delivery through C-section
Are some of the treatment methods that is undertaken according to condition. Usually if the bleeding fails to cease then an emergency C-section is undertaken. If the placenta does not cover the cervix and the bleeding is not heavy then vaginal delivery may be attempted.
Placenta previa prognosis
The prognosis is good as in most cases the condition is discovered well before it poses a threat to mother and child. With proper rest and usually delivery via C-section most of the risks are avoided. At the most you'll have to under go premature C-section delivery in case of heavy vaginal bleeding.
Know about Obstetrical Complications at pregnancyxl.com.
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