Placenta Previa is a condition in which the placenta lies low in the uterus. It can be near, or even covering, the cervix. When the cervix is entirely covered by the placenta, it is known as complete previa.
Placenta previa is often diagnosed during ultrasound. The severity of the diagnosis varies. In some cases, when it is found in early pregnancy, the placenta may move upward and away from the cervix as the pregnancy progresses. In this instance, the condition isn’t serious. The later in the pregnancy the condition is found, the less likely it will move.
About ten percent of women will still have the condition at the end of the pregnancy. At this time, it becomes more serious. Follow up ultrasounds will be done to monitor the placement of the placenta. You may be advised to avoid activity which could induce bleeding, such as sexual activity, heavy lifting or vaginal exams from the doctor.
As labor approaches and the cervix begins to thin, bleeding can occur. This can be dangerous if the bleeding is severe and hospitilization is sometimes required. If placenta previa is present at the time of labor, the baby will need to be born by c section.
There are certain factors that put a woman at greater risk of developing placenta previa. These factors include: multiple pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, cocaine use, previous surgery, age of the mother and placenta previa in a previous pregnancy. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of women have healthy babies.
However, there is a greater risk of low birth weight, due to reduced oxygen getting to the baby. In addition, there is a slight increase in risk of the baby developing intrauterine growth restriction as a result of placenta previa.
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