Placenta previa means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. The placenta
supplies your baby with nutrients through the umbilical cord.
Placenta previa is not usually a problem early in pregnancy. But if it persists into later pregnancy, it can cause bleeding,
which may require you to deliver early and can lead to other complications. If you have placenta previa when it's time to
deliver your baby, you'll need to have a c-section.
There are three types known as complete or total previa, marginal previa or low lying placeta. Complete is where the placenta
covers the cervix completely, marginal is if it is on the border of the cervix and low lying is if the placenta is within
2 cm of the cervix but not bordering it.
In many cases the placenta will move during the pregnancy and cause no problems,
you may simply be asked to rest and take it easy. However, you may experience bleeding from a placenta previa this happens
when the cervix begins to thin out or dilate (even a little) and disrupts the blood vessels in that area. It's usually painless,
can start without warning, and can range from spotting to extremely heavy bleeding. If your bleeding is severe, you may have
to deliver your baby right away, even if they are still premature.
It's unusual for bleeding to start before late in the second trimester, and about half the time it doesn't begin until
you're nearly full-term (37 weeks). The bleeding will often stop on its own, but it's likely to start again at some point.
If you start bleeding or have contractions, you'll need to be hospitalised. What happens then will depend on how far along
you are in your pregnancy, how heavy the bleeding is, and how you and your baby are doing. If you're near full-term, your
baby will be delivered by c-section right away. If your baby is still premature, they may be delivered by c-section immediately
if their condition warrants it or if you have heavy bleeding that doesn't stop. Alternatively, you may be watched in
the hospital until the bleeding stops. If you're less than 34 weeks, you may be given corticosteroids to speed up your baby's
lung development and to prevent other complications in case they end up being delivered prematurely. If the bleeding stops,
and both you and your baby are in good condition, you'll probably be sent home. But you'll need to return to the hospital
immediately if the bleeding starts again. If you and your baby continue to do well and you don't need to deliver early, you'll
have a scheduled c-section at 37 weeks.
Most women who develop placenta previa have no apparent risk factors. But if
you have any course for concern talk it over with your G.P.
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