PREGNANCY-RELATED CONDITIONS
PLACENTA PREVIA
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers all or part of the cervix (the opening of the uterus towards the vagina, which together for the birth canal), thus effectively blocking the path of the fetus outwards during birth. The prevalence of placenta previa is fairly low. According to most literature, about 0.5% of pregnancies (5 out of 1000) suffer from placenta previa. However, if not handled with care, it can have serious consequences for both mother and child. Placenta previa can be partial or total, with treatments varying from careful observation to induction of labor and cesarean section. If you are affected by placenta previa, the information below can help you successfully navigate your pregnancy and discuss management options with your doctor.
Risk Factors
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Drug use during pregnancy (cocaine)
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Placenta previa during a previous pregnancy
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Multi-gestational pregnancy (twins or multiplets)​
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Risk increases with increasing number of previous pregnancies
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Uterine scarring (from any type of previous uterine procedures, both traditional and minimally invasive)
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Advanced maternal age (> 35)
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Smoking
Symptoms
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Contractions (sometimes)
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Absence of abdominal pain
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Uterine bleeding (bight red and clear, non-slimy)
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A lot of women don't have any symptoms at all, so it is important to follow up with your routine ultrasounds to diagnose placenta previa
Treatments
Marginal placenta previa (placenta covers only the very margin of the cervix):
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Vaginal delivery possible (but often induced)
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Reduction of uterine stress (intercourse, pelvic exams, etc.)
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Observation, either at the hospital or at home (if necessary with FHR monitoring and medical induction of fetal maturation with corticosteroids)
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Bed rest
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Total or partial (but substantial) placenta previa:​​
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Cesarean Section
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Maternal blood transfusions
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Medical induction of fetal maturation (corticosteroids)
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Complications
Risks for the mother: ​​
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Hemorrhage
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Shock
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Risks for the fetus:
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Disability
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Preterm delivery
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Fetal growth problems
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