complications during pregnancy
placenta previa
what is placenta previa
When a baby's placenta partially or totally covers the opening in the mother's cervix- the lower end of the uterus that connects to the top of the vagina.
what are the symptoms
Bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy (main sign)
Some women have contractions
What are the risk factors
Women have higher risks of having Placenta Previa if:
- You have delivered at least one baby
- You have had Placenta Previa with previous pregnancy
- Have more than one fetus
- Are 35 years or older
- are a race other than white
- smoke, or use cocaine
What are treatment options
Depends on:
- Amount of bleeding
- If bleeding has stopped
- How far along your pregnancy is
- Your health
- Babys health
- Position of the placenta and baby
- bed rest at home, but you must be able to get to the hospital fast. If you begin to bleed you can't have sex
- Hospital bed rest
- May need blood transfusion to replace lost blood
- Will most likely be having a C-section as soon as baby can be delivered safely
- May be given Corticosteroids to speed your baby's lung development if you need a C-section before 36 weeks
- If your bleeding can't be controlled or your baby is in distress, you may need an emergency C-section (even if baby is born premature)