cookie

Our site uses cookies to make your experience on this site even better. We hope you think that is sweet.

Yes, I am okay. Know more
Planning for a baby?
Already Pregnant?
Have a Baby?
Have a Toddler?
Positive Parenting
Baby Names
Child Safety
Cord Blood
Life Skills
Premature Baby
Twins
Already Pregnant?
Health & Safety

Placenta Previa Bleeding in Pregnancy

4 min read

Know of someone who has had low-lying placenta during pregnancy that has bled before or during labor? This condition referred to as placenta previa is a matter of concern for the health of the soon-to-born baby and the mother alike.
placenta-previa-bleeding
Here’s your chance to know more about it:

What is placenta previa?

When the placenta is attached over or close to the cervix, that is the opening of the uterus, this condition is called placenta previa. During late pregnancy, placenta previa could cause bleeding., however, it is painless. There are three types of placenta previa:

  1. Total placenta previa – This occurs when the placenta completely covers the opening of the uterus.
  2. Partial placenta previa – This condition occurs when the placenta is attached partially over the cervix
  3. Marginal placenta previa – This occurs when the placenta is attached near the edge of the cervix

Why is placenta previa a concern?

As mentioned previously, placenta previa could cause bleeding in the latter part of the pregnancy, and this is one of its biggest risks. As the baby grows bigger and you progress into the third trimester, the lower uterine wall begins to thin out. This happens in preparation for labor. During this phase, the area of placenta that is closer to the lower uterine wall and the uterine OS (cervical opening of the uterus) bleeds. The amount of placenta that covers the cervix determine the amount of bleeding that could take place. Hence, it is in the best interest of the mother that the placenta is away from the cervix to avoid bleeding associated with placenta previa.

Is it dangerous to have placenta previa?

Placenta previa comes with its set of risks and complications. Apart from bleeding during the second and third trimester, placenta previa could lead to the following:

  1. The placenta may not implant well into the uterus as it ideally should.
  2. Preterm birth – the baby could be corn before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy.
  3. Slow growth of the fetus
  4. Birth defects

What are the causes of placenta previa?

Placenta previa generally occurs in late pregnancy, that is, after the 20th week of pregnancy. The exact causes of placenta previa cannot be ascertained, but the condition can be attributed to the following reasons:

  • Uterine scarring during previous pregnancies and childbirth
  • Fibroids in the uterus which are benign, but resemble tumors
  • Advanced maternal age, that is women who are above the age of 35 years
  • Women who have had a previous cesarean sections, uterine surgeries or miscarriages
  • Women belonging to minority races
  • Women who have other uterine abnormalities
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Women who have experienced placenta previa in their previous pregnancies
  • Being pregnant with twins or multiples
  • An abnormally sized and shaped uterus

Does it lead to placental abruption?

Placenta previa does not directly lead to placental abruption. Direct trauma to the uterus such as a bad fall, a motor vehicle accident and the likes could lead to placental abruption. However, placental abruption can be triggered by the following:

    • Cigarette smoking
    • Sickle cell anemia
    • Multiple pregnancies
    • Previous delivery from placental abruption and
    • Hypertension

How is placenta previa diagnosed?
If you spot vaginal bleeding during and after the second trimester, you must visit your gynecologist to ascertain the true causes of the bleed. Placenta previa can be diagnosed after a thorough physical examination followed by a transabdominal ultrasound test. The ultrasound can find the location of the placenta in relation to the cervix. If the results are inconclusive, a transvaginal ultrasound can be performed to confirm the amount of placenta that is covering the cervix. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also determine the location of the placenta.
It is important to note that the ultrasound can detect a low-lying placenta early in your pregnancy. However, it could move away from the cervix with upwards movements, as you progress through your pregnancy. This process is called placental migration.

How is placenta previa treated?

While it is important to determine the location of the placenta in relation to the cervix, it is noteworthy to mention that the position of the placenta cannot be changes or altered. Hence, placenta previa needs to be treated with utmost care to ensure proper growth and delivery of the baby. Your doctor might advise bed rest or hospitalization. Your doctor will treat your condition with the necessary medications depending on your tolerance for medications, and other therapies.
treatment-for-placenta-previa
Since most placenta previa patients are advised a cesarean section, your doctor will take a call on when to perform the surgery basis the gestational age of the baby, their condition, and the amount of bleeding you have undergone. In severe cases, where blood loss has been significant, blood transfusion will have to be performed.

Responses (0)

Please check a captcha
Read this next

10 Harmful Affects Of Junk Food On Toddlers

Are you one of those mothers who is afraid to drive through the route where the junk food shop is? Or are you the mum who always melts under the constant whining of "Please! Mum! Please. Just this time!" If your answer is positive, then you are not alone, there are so many moms out there who are equally worried about their toddlers junk food habits. 10 Harmful Affects Of Junk Food On Your Toddler First three years of your child are the building blocks of his life, it's his learning period where he notices and imbibes even the minuscule details around him. It is also the time when your child is developing and growing rapidly. Most importantly, this is one of the crucial times when your child's brain development is taking place. So he needs the right nutrients to keep him going during this phase. But rapidly increasing junk food habits are not only putting a full stop on your child's development, but is also harming them in number of ways. Here are 10 ways by which junk food is spoiling your toddler. And moreover, when it comes to junk food, no one can just stop at 'one' - the fats, the sugar and the salts are absolute magnets and leaves one craving for more. 1. Fast food deprives....

4 min read

When Can You Let Your Baby Take A Bath Alone?

Bathing your child can either be a fun or an agonizing affair, depending on how your child is. Some kids love water time and can't wait to get to the bath tub daily. For many others, bathing is an annoying task and they have to be dragged to the washroom every day. Whether your child loves bathing or not, it is definitely a big chore for you, and a wet one at that! Many a times, you end as much or more drenched as your little one. And in this context, letting your child take a bath alone seems to be a dream come true. But how do you know if they are ready? Read on. What Is The Right Age For My Child To Bathe Alone? There is no "ideal age" for letting your child bathe alone. Usually, it is driven by the following triggers: Your child wants to have privacy. This again varies from child to child. Some children do not want you to see them bath as young as 5 or 6 years old. Some kids, on the other hand, are okay with your presence and help until they are in their preteens and are about to hit puberty Your child is capable of bathing alone. This means that your child is able to clean himself thoroughly, ensuring every part of the body, including private parts, are cleaned and....

4 min read

Health Benefits Of Honey For Babies

Honey is a wonderful gift bestowed by nature on mankind. It offers several general health benefits and cures a lot of illnesses. You must've certainly heard about the positive effects of honey for curing cuts, wounds, cough, cold, nasal congestion and asthma. Honey also has had proven benefits for those seeking to lose weight and fight allergies. It is said to ease digestion-related problems and reduce joint inflammations. The countless advantages of honey are being experienced and leveraged by adults for over 2500 years approximately. However, is honey good for babies? Does it have health benefits for babies? If yes, what are those health benefits? Is Honey Good For Babies Under 1 Year? Is It Safe To Give Honey To Babies Over 12 Months? Health Benefits Of Honey For Toddlers And Children How To Use Honey For Treating Cough In Children? Precautions While Buying Honey For Toddlers And Children Is Honey Good For Babies Under 1 Year? In several traditions, specifically in India, babies are fed honey during certain rituals. While this has been practiced over several years, today doctors have a different take on this subject. Today, doctors ask parents to avoid feeding....

5 min read

Is It Safe To Eat Prunes During Pregnancy?

Pregnant and keep munching all the time? Feeling quite bored about eating the same old fruits time and again? There is no argument about the fact that all kinds of fruits and dry fruits are ideal nutritional supplements while you are pregnant. One dry fruit you could try eating if you have not tried them yet are prunes. If you have already eaten prunes, you may not be sure how safe they are for eating while you are carrying. Prunes actually make an excellent choice as a snack during pregnancy given their amazing benefits. Lets see how they help in pregnancy. What Are Prunes? Health Benefits Of Eating Prunes During Pregnancy Probable Risks Associated With Eating Prunes When Pregnant What Are Prunes? Prunes are actually dry plums and are a wonderful and healthy food option all over the world. They are an excellent source of nutrition and can be safely eaten by everybody even while you are pregnant. Though they rarely have any side -effects, yet is wise to consult your doctor before including prunes in your daily diet. This is because each pregnancy is different and whether you can safely consume them depends on each one's personal health condition during your pregnancy.....

3 min read

Want personalized reading and shopping suggestions for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Come on, sell the idea of signing up with us in two lines so well that they HAVE to sign up.

Sign Up
image

Want curated content sharply tailored for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Sign Up
Load More

165+ Services.

6+ Cities.

60K+ Parents Reviewed.

Explore Local Services.

Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.

search-icon
Begin typing to search