Medically reviewed by What is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa is a complication during pregnancy where the placenta, the organ that feeds and sustains the fetus, is not attached to the uterus as expected, but instead it is attached too low and partly or completely covers the cervix (the entry point of the womb).
This disease may hinder the passage of the baby during delivery, and in most cases, the vaginal bleeding process is painless, particularly during the second or third trimester. Its cause is not clearly known, but it is more likely to occur when there are earlier cesarean sections, more than one pregnancy, surgery on the uterus or even maternal age more than 35.
Placenta previa may lead to severe complications for the mother and the baby, including excessive haemorrhage, premature birth, or cesarean section. The ultrasound is typically used to diagnose it, and it is treated with frequent observation, limited activities, and, in most instances, scheduled cesarean delivery to have a safe outcome.
Prevalence
Placenta previa is not a very common disease, but it is dangerous due to its dangers in pregnancy. It is found in approximately 0.3 to 0.5 per cent of all pregnancies (3-5 cases in 1,000 births) worldwide.
Prevalence may be increased in some populations, such as women who have had a cesarean operation, multiple pregnancies or women who are older. Actually, more than a 5-fold risk arises following repeated cesarean delivery. Although precise rates depend on the country, placenta previa is a notable source of maternal and neonatal complications, especially in low- and middle-income countries where timely obstetric care might not be obtained.
Placenta Previa Facts and Types
Pregnancy has been termed as one of the most beautiful things in a woman’s life. Nevertheless, it may also introduce some unforeseen complications which need both medical and lifestyle changes. A placenta previa is one of such conditions wherein the placenta implants low in the uterus and partly or wholly covers the cervix, the passage through which the baby is born.
Placenta previa may be a concern, yet with the proper mix of medical attention, lifestyle changes and emotional support, it is treatable. This blog gives a step-by-step guide on how to know about placenta previa and how to have good self-care to keep the baby and the mother safe.
Placenta previa is of three major types:
1. Complete Placenta Previa
In this type, the placenta entirely covers the cervical opening. It is the most serious form because it blocks the baby’s exit route during labor. Women with complete previa almost always require a cesarean delivery, as vaginal birth is not safe in this situation. It is also associated with a higher risk of bleeding during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages and during delivery.
2. Partial Placenta Previa
Here, the placenta covers only a portion of the cervical opening. Unlike the complete form, some space remains uncovered, but vaginal delivery is still generally unsafe because the placenta may obstruct the baby’s passage or cause significant bleeding during labor. Partial previa often necessitates cesarean delivery as well.
3. Marginal Placenta Previa
In marginal previa, the edge of the placenta extends to the margin of the cervix but does not fully cover it. While it is less severe compared to complete or partial previa, it can still lead to vaginal bleeding, especially in the third trimester. In some cases, as the uterus grows, the placenta may “move upward” away from the cervix, resolving the condition. However, if it remains close to the cervix, careful monitoring is required to determine the safest mode of delivery.
Comparison of Types of Placenta Previa
| Type of Placenta Previa | Cervical Coverage | Risk of Bleeding | Possible Resolution | Usual Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Previa | Placenta fully covers the cervical opening | Very high, especially in late pregnancy and during labor | Rarely resolves on its own | Cesarean section required |
| Partial Previa | Placenta partially covers the cervix | High risk during labor and third trimester | Rarely resolves completely | Usually cesarean section |
| Marginal Previa | Placenta lies at the edge of the cervix, not fully covering it | Moderate risk of bleeding | Sometimes resolves as uterus expands | May allow vaginal delivery if placenta moves upward, otherwise cesarean |
Diagnosis
Placenta previa is usually identified during routine prenatal check-ups or when a pregnant woman experiences painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. The main methods of diagnosis include:
Ultrasound Examination
- Transabdominal ultrasound: A probe is placed on the abdomen to visualize the placenta and cervix.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A more accurate method where the probe is gently inserted into the vagina for a closer view of the cervix and placenta. This is safe and preferred for confirming placenta previa.
Follow-Up Scans
Since the placenta can “migrate upward” as the uterus grows, doctors often repeat ultrasounds in the later stages of pregnancy (around 28–32 weeks) to check if the condition has resolved.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
In rare cases, an MRI may be used if ultrasound findings are unclear or if placenta accrete (when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall) is suspected.
Self-Care Placenta Previa
The self-care of placenta previa focuses on maintaining your health, preventing bleeding, minimising stress, and planning for delivery. The following are the comprehensive plans that any pregnant woman with placenta previa should consider.
1. Rest and Activity Modification
One of the most significant areas of self-care with placenta previa is rest. Doctors may recommend:
- Physical activity: Physical activity should be limited; running, jumping or high-impact activities that could strain the uterus should be avoided.
- No lifting: There should be no heavy lifting to carry out groceries, children, and heavy things which may put a strain on the body and provoke bleeding.
- Bed rest as recommended: Bed rest may be given to some women on partial or complete bed rest according to the severity of the condition.
- Light exercises only: Home walking is generally okay, but do not do any heavy exercise.
2. Monitoring Symptoms
You can save a lot of time by knowing your own body and being fast in action. Some of the main things to watch out are:
- Vaginal bleeding: The vaginal bleeding is usually painless and bright red in colour. Any bleeding ought to be reported to your doctor at once.
- Contractions or cramping: this can be an indication of early labour and requires medical care.
- Motor actions of the baby: Monitor fetal movements. Your healthcare provider should be notified of a reduction in activity.
Maintain a symptom diary to keep track of when and how frequently you bleed, and any other pains. Your doctor will be able to identify your condition more effectively with this information.
3. Nutrition and Hydration
Eating well promotes good health, aids in avoiding anaemia and helps to sustain strength during pregnancy. Diet plays a special role in women, whose placenta previa may lead to the loss of iron due to blood.
- Foods rich in iron: Consist of spinach, beans, red meat, poultry, fish and fortified cereals.
- Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers which make the body more effective in receiving iron.
- Foods that contain high amounts of proteins: Eggs, legumes, milk and nuts aid in the growth of the baby and repair maternal tissues.
- Hydration: Goal is 8-10 glasses of water per day. Dehydration has the potential to increase fatigue and result in contraction.
The iron supplements or prenatal vitamins can also be prescribed by your doctor to help your blood.
4. Avoidance in Sexual Behaviors
In case of placenta previa, the doctors often avoid sexual intercourse, as penetration or orgasm may cause uterine contractions and bleeding. Although this might be limiting, keep in mind that these measures are only temporary and necessary to ensure the safety of your baby. Talk freely with your partner on how to achieve intimacy in other ways, through massages, emotional attachment or quality time together.
5. Emotional Control
Complications during pregnancy may result in stress, anxiety and even depression. The anxiety of giving birth to a baby or the doubt about delivering may be a heavy burden to an expecting mother. Some of these methods of taking care of your mental well-being include:
- Relaxation: Deep breathing, meditation or guided imagery.
- Light stretching: It reduces the stress, provided that your doctor authorises light prenatal yoga.
- Journaling: It can be therapeutic to write down what you are thinking/feeling.
- Support circles: Tell your feelings to your family members, friends or support circles.
- Professional counselling: In case of overwhelming anxiety, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a therapist specialising in maternal health.
- Keep in mind: taking care of your emotional health is equally important to taking care of your physical health.
6. Regular Medical Check-Ups
It is necessary to medically monitor. Placenta previa needs regular check-ups and ultrasounds to confirm the position of the placenta, the development of the baby as well as your wellbeing.
- Follow-up scans: This is done to establish whether the placenta is ascending during pregnancy.
- Hospital visits due to bleeding: Do not postpone the treatment of any bleeding.
- Plan in the case of an emergency: Have a hospital bag packed and talk to your doctor about what to do in case of sudden bleeding.
The consistency of the check-ups will help you and your medical practitioner plan a safe delivery.
7. Preparing for Delivery
Placenta previa self-care is also a significant matter of placenta previa delivery planning. Because women with complete placenta previa might be unable to deliver vaginally, most of them will have to undergo a cesarean section (C-section).
The steps to begin preparation are:
- Talking about birth: Talk to your physician with regards to the safest version of birth.
- C-section planning: Educate about the procedure, recovery and pain management strategies.
- Hospital bag: Be prepared in case of an early hospital stay by carrying a hospital bag with the essentials of both the mother and the baby.
- Preparing assistance: Have friends or relatives on hand to assist post-delivery since C-section recovery needs additional time.
By being both mentally and practically prepared, you can minimize the feeling of anxiety, and concentrate on your and your babies health.
Lifestyle Management Advice on Placenta Previa in Women
- Wear loose clothes that do not strain the stomach.
- Have your phone charged and not locked away and have emergency contacts.
- Avoid long distances travelling, particularly during advanced months of pregnancy.
- Rest on your left side (or better) to enhance blood circulation to the infant.
- Maintain a good attitude, most women with placenta previa will give birth to healthy children.
Conclusion
Placenta previa does not have to be a scary concept; with a proper combination of professional and self-care, one can handle it. To have a safer pregnancy process, it is important to prioritise rest, eat a balanced diet, avoid risky activities, deal with stress, and prepare to deliver.
Each pregnancy is individual, and, therefore, it is necessary to adhere to the individual recommendations of a health care professional. By being informed and proactive, you would be able to take care of your health and provide your baby with the most adequate start in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does placenta previa go away?
Yes, the placenta can often migrate upwards (as the uterus enlarges) when diagnosed early, particularly when it is marginal or partial previa. Complete placenta previa does not tend to resolve.
2. Can we do exercise in placenta previa?
Vigorous activity should not be encouraged. Light exercise can be safe, and you should always ask your doctor before you begin any exercise.
3. Will placenta previa have any impact on the growth of the baby?
In the majority of cases, placenta previa does not have an impact on the development of the baby unless the bleeding processes are repeated and the blood supply is undermined. The ultrasounds are conducted regularly to check the progress of the baby.
4. Am I certain that I would need a C-section?
The majority of complete placenta previa cases necessitate C-section, whereas in some peripheral cases, vaginal birth could still be applicable. Depending on your specific case, your doctor will make such a decision.
5. So what shall I do should I be subjected to bleeding at home?
Calmly lie down and call your doctor or take yourself to the hospital. Never DIY when it comes to heavy bleeding.