Placental development is very important during pregnancy. As such, improper placental growth can lead to serious fatal complications. One of this is placenta previa.

During the early stages of pregnancy, the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus of a woman. As the uterus gradually expands, the placenta moves upward, away from the cervix. However, if there are scars in the lining of the uterus or if the placenta grows too large, the placenta may cover the cervix. Such condition is referred to as placenta previa.

Types of placenta previa

Basically, there are three types of placenta previa. The most severe of which is total placenta previa where the placents completely covers the opening of the uterus (cervix). If the placenta only partly covers the cervix, the condition is referred to partial placenta previa. However, if the placenta is situated near the end of the cervix, then it is called marginal placenta previa.

Before or during the due period of the pregnancy, all types of placenta previa may cause the placenta to separate from the lower part of the uterus as the cervix opens. Such can cause excessive vaginal bleeding during the end of the second trimester, during the third trimester or during the delivery. The bleeding may be light or heavy. It may also be accompanied by abdominal cramps or contractions.

Treatment and medication

Once the pregnant woman is diagnosed with placenta previa, the physician may advise medications and various treatment procedures depending on the gestational age of the baby, the amount of vaginal bleeding, the type of the condition, and the general health of both the mother and the child.

If the bleeding has subsided or if there is no bleeding at all, the doctor may advise bed rest at home. If such is recommended, the mother will not be allowed to engage in her routine activities such as exercising, walking, traveling, working, and even having sex. The doctor may advice regular prenatal visits and vaginal tests on a weekly basis. Moreover, the mother is advised to immediately go to the hospital if spotting or bleeding happens.

In the case of partial or total placenta previa, excessive bleeding usually transpires. As a result, the mother should be hospitalized and she may need blood transfusion and certain medications that may prevent premature labor.

If the bleeding won’t stop, delivery may be an option. If the bleeding occurs after thirty six weeks of pregnancy, a C-section delivery is often recommended right away. However, if severe bleeding is experienced before the maturity of the baby, corticosteroids may be given to hasten the baby’s development. GP