Placenta Previa: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction:

Although being pregnant is a miraculous experience, there can also be difficulties along the way. One of these complications that pregnant women may experience is placenta previa. We will cover placenta previa, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the critical stages for treating this problem during pregnancy in this extensive blog.

• What Is Placenta Previa?

A somewhat uncommon but potentially dangerous pregnancy issue is placenta previa. It happens when the cervix, or opening to the uterus, is partially or entirely covered by the placenta. Away from the cervix, the placenta often connects to the upper portion of the uterine wall. However, the location of the placenta in situations of placenta previa can impede the cervix, which can cause a number of difficulties.

Causes of Placenta Previa:

Placenta previa's exact cause is still unknown, however, numerous things are thought to have a role in its emergence:

• Previous Cesarean Sections: Women who have previously undergone cesarean sections or other uterine procedures may be more susceptible to placenta previa. Scar tissue from these operations may prevent the placenta from implanting properly.
• Uterine Scarring: Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are two conditions that can cause uterine scarring, which raises the possibility of placenta previa.
• Advanced Maternal Age: Placenta previa may be a little more likely to occur in older moms.

Symptoms of Placenta Previa:

Different signs of placenta previa can appear, which can worry the expectant mother. Typical warning signs and symptoms include:

1. Vaginal Bleeding: After the 20th week of pregnancy, painless, bright red vaginal bleeding is the most usual sign of placenta previa. There may be minor spotting or significant bleeding as a result.
2. Abdomen discomfort: Although painless bleeding is more frequent, some women with placenta previa may have mild to severe abdomen discomfort.

Diagnosis of Placenta Previa:

You must get medical help right away if you have vaginal bleeding while pregnant. Your doctor will do a complete examination, which can include:

1. Physical Examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine the severity of the bleeding and to monitor the infant's heartbeat.
2. Ultrasound: The most common way to diagnose placenta previa is using an ultrasound. It enables the medical professional to see the placental location and validate the diagnosis.

Types of Placenta Previa:

Depending on how much of the cervix is covered, there are three basic forms of placenta previa:

1. Complete Placenta Previa: The placenta covers the cervix entirely, completely obstructing the delivery canal.
2. Partial Placenta Previa: In this situation, the placenta just covers a piece of the cervix.
3. Marginal Placenta Previa: The placenta is present but only partially covers the cervix.

Management of Placenta Previa:

Careful monitoring and, in certain circumstances, medical measures are required to manage placenta previa. The kind and degree of placenta previa, the gestational age, and the general health of the mother and unborn child will all affect the treatment strategy.

• Bed rest: To lower the risk of bleeding, healthcare professionals may advise bed rest and reduced physical activity in situations of mild placenta previa.
• Hospitalization: Hospitalization can be required if bleeding is severe or continuous. In the hospital, medical professionals may closely watch the mother and child and offer prompt care if issues develop.
• Blood transfusions: Blood transfusions may be necessary to replenish lost blood in severe bleeding situations.
• Cesarean Section: The majority of women with placenta previa will need to give birth via cesarean section (C-section). This is owing to the potential of significant bleeding when trying a vaginal birth with placenta previa.
• Timing of Delivery: The length of the placenta previa, the baby's gestational age, and the mother's health will all have an impact on when the C-section is performed. An early delivery may be advised in specific circumstances.

Placenta Previa: Dos and Don'ts for Expectant Mothers

Pregnant women who experience placenta previa need to be treated carefully in order to protect both the mother and the unborn child. Following are important dos and don'ts:

Dos:

• Seek Medical Advice: If you suffer any vaginal bleeding, speak with a healthcare professional right away.
• Regular Prenatal Care: To closely monitor the condition, attend all prenatal checkups and ultrasounds as scheduled.
• Follow the bed rest: recommendations provided by your healthcare practitioner to lower the risk of bleeding.
• Stay Hydrated: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially if you suffer bleeding.
• Pelvic Rest: To reduce the risk of bleeding or infection, refrain from sexual activity and from using tampons or douches.
• Educate yourself: Know the symptoms of bleeding and what to do in case of serious bleeding by educating yourself.
• Keep Emergency Contacts Close: Store vital phone numbers, such as those of your healthcare providers, in a location that is easy to find.
• Exercises for the Pelvic Floor: Some gentle pelvic floor exercises may be helpful. For advice, speak with your healthcare physician.
• Plan for a Hospital Birth: Talk with your healthcare practitioner about your birth plans, including whether a C-section is likely.
• Baby's Position: Keep in mind that as pregnancy develops, the baby's position may shift, perhaps impacting placenta previa. Inform your healthcare practitioner frequently.

Don'ts:

• Avoid Heavy lifting: Avoid lifting anything that is particularly heavy or engaging in demanding activities that could cause bleeding.
• Avoid Alcohol and cigarette usage: Avoid alcohol and cigarette usage because they might make problems worse.
• No NSAIDs or Aspirin: Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or aspirin without first getting permission from your doctor.
• Reduce Stress: Make an effort to reduce your stress levels since they can cause high blood pressure.
• Avoid Long Journey: Limit your long-distance travel, and always consult with your doctor before leaving on any journeys.
• No Vaginal Exams: In many situations, it is best to forego a vaginal check in order to stop bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider about this.
• Never Ignore Bleeding: No matter how minor it may seem, you should never ignore vaginal bleeding. Get in touch with your doctor right away.
• Limit Your Physical Activity: Steer clear of demanding exercises or other activities that can strain your abdomen.
• Avoid overexerting oneself, both physically and mentally. As needed, take a nap.
• Ignore Medical Advice: Always heed your healthcare provider's advice and express any concerns as soon as possible.

Remember that placenta previa needs to be managed carefully and that doing so will make your pregnancy safer for you and your unborn child. Always seek advice from your healthcare practitioner as they will offer specific recommendations based on the gravity of your problem.

Conclusion:

A potentially fatal pregnancy condition called placenta previa needs to be carefully managed and monitored by medical experts. Following your healthcare provider's instructions and getting an early diagnosis can help guarantee the best outcome for both mother and child. It's critical to get early medical assistance if you think you may have placenta previa or have any symptoms in order to treat the disease successfully and quickly.

FAQ's

What is the main cause of placenta previa?

• Although the primary etiology of placenta previa is unknown, it is believed to be associated with uterine scarring, prior cesarean sections, numerous pregnancies, or placenta placement. It happens when the placenta covers the cervix either fully or partially, which raises the possibility of bleeding during pregnancy.

What happens if you have placenta previa?

• A condition known as placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix either entirely or partially. It may result in bleeding without pain, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy. This illness can lead to difficulties that need a cesarean section for delivery and may require bed rest or hospitalization.

What are three symptoms of placenta previa?

• A pregnancy issue known as placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix entirely or partially. Painless vaginal bleeding is a common symptom, particularly in the third trimester when the cervix dilates due to pregnancy. Fetal malpresentation and uterine contractions are possible additional symptoms. It needs to be treated medically.

What are the 4 types of placenta previa? Based on where the placenta is with respect to the cervix, there are four primary forms of placenta previa:

1. Complete Placenta Previa: The cervix is entirely covered by the placenta.
2. Placenta partialis previa: The cervix is partially covered by the placenta.
3. Marginal Placenta Previa: The placenta is situated along the cervix's margin, according to marginal placenta previa.
4. Low-Lying Placenta: Although it is not covered, the placenta is located close to the cervix.

What are the 4 types of placenta? There are four primary placenta types:

1. Diffuse Placenta: Occurs in animals such as horses, where the entire placental surface is covered in chorionic villi.
2. Cotyledonary Placenta: Identifiable, button-shaped cotyledons on the placenta found in ruminants such as cows.
3. Zonary Placenta: A belt-like ring that surrounds the fetus in carnivores such as dogs.
4. Discoid Placenta: Found in humans and primates; assumes a disk shape to facilitate the circulation of nutrients.

Which placenta is high risk?

• A placenta with issues or problems that could endanger the mother's or the developing baby's health is referred to as a high-risk placenta. Placenta previa, placental abruption, or problems like placental insufficiency—which can impair fetal growth and oxygen supply—may be among these complications.

Which placenta position is best?

• The placenta should be positioned posteriorly, or fundally, meaning that it should face the back or higher portion of the uterus. Because it reduces the possibility of pregnancy issues like placenta previa or restricted fetal growth, this position is thought to be ideal. But each person's placental position is unique, and each person's situation will determine how it affects them.

Is placenta delivery painful?

• The delivery of a placenta is usually not unpleasant. The placenta emerges from the uterine wall and is ejected after delivery, usually with little discomfort. Since the mother's and baby's health is the primary concern, any discomfort is treated with medical attention and, if necessary, painkillers.

What is previa in pregnancy?

• A pregnancy issue known as placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the opening of the birth canal, the cervix, entirely or partially. This can cause vaginal bleeding, particularly in the third trimester, and may require a cesarean section to deliver the baby safely because it can endanger both the mother and the child.

Who is at risk for placenta previa?

• Women who have had prior pregnancies, uterine surgery, or cesarean sections are more likely to develop placenta previa. Maternal age is also associated with it; women over 35 are at higher risk. A history of placenta previa in prior pregnancies, smoking, and numerous pregnancies are additional risk factors.

Is C-section safe for placenta previa?

• For women who have placenta previa, a Caesarean section (C-section) is frequently advised as it can be safer than a vaginal birth, which can result in serious hemorrhage. However, each case is different, and a healthcare professional should assess the procedure's safety.

When is delivery for placenta previa?

• A planned cesarean section is commonly performed to deliver a placenta previa patient, usually in the 37th or 38th week of pregnancy. By minimizing the chance of hemorrhage and placenta previa issues, this timing serves to protect the mother and unborn child.

Can you travel with placenta previa?

• Traveling with placenta previa is risky. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can lead to severe bleeding. It's advisable to consult your healthcare provider before traveling, and in many cases, they may recommend against long journeys, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, to minimize complications.

Does placenta previa affect baby growth?

• Placenta previa may have an impact on a baby's growth. It happens when the placenta completely or partially covers the cervix, which could cause the baby's blood flow to be limited. Premature birth, low birth weight, and other issues may arise from this. To manage these hazards, adequate care and close medical monitoring are necessary.