Placenta develops inside the uterus during pregnancy. It provides nutrition and oxygen to the baby while also removing waste from the baby. Your placenta connects to the baby through the umbilical cord. Typically, the placenta will attach to the side or top of a woman’s uterus.
What is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa takes place when the baby’s placenta completely or partially covers the mother's cervix. A woman’s cervix is the outlet for the uterus. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and the delivery. There is the chance that a person with this issue might bleed throughout the entire pregnancy and during the delivery as well.
With cases where placenta previa treatment doesn’t fully resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have a c-section birth due to the risks involved. There are some physical restrictions your doctor or OBGYN will let you know what those are. There are basic things you shouldn’t do, but because each situation is different you might notice some differences.
The causes of placenta previa are still unknown.
Placenta Previa Symptoms
One of the main placenta previa symptoms is having bright red vaginal bleeding. The bleeding generally doesn’t start until the second half of the pregnancy as everything is growing and stretching.
The only other real symptom is contractions accompanied by the bleeding. Cramping from the tightening of the contraction, and pressure in the back are sometimes how women describe the feelings.
Types of Placenta Previa
Your symptoms may vary depending on which type of placenta previa you have.
Complete Previa - the placenta blocks the entire opening of the cervix.
Marginal Previa - the placenta is close to the cervix opening but doesn’t block it. Low-lying placenta is another term used in place of marginal previa.
In many cases, women with marginal previa have a chance of the issue being resolved before childbirth and can give vaginal birth. With complete previa, there’s little to no chance of avoiding a C-section.
If yu experience vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester, please call your doctor right away. If you’re dealing with severe bleeding seek emergency care immediately.
Potential Risk Factors
There are certain experiences that can increase the chances of a woman dealing with placenta previa.
- Having Children Previously
- A Scarred Uterus
- Previous Experience With Placenta Previa
- Carrying More Than One Baby
- 35 Years of Age or Older
- Smoker
- Use Cocaine
- Pregnancy Complications
Placenta previa can be a serious situation. Make sure to be in touch with your doctor throughout your pregnancy. It is essential that they monitor the baby’s growth and the situation at hand closely. Severe bleeding can be a cruicial risk to you and your unborn baby.
Your doctore will tell you to avoid any strenuous activity that could trigger bleeding. Sex may be out of the question along with many other simple things you do daily that you might not think of. At any time your bleeding is more than usual or you have concerns, please reach out to medical professionals for help.
