Placenta Previa: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Overview

In most cases, when a woman is pregnant, they tend to forget that placenta, a mysterious and unique organ, also keeps on growing right alongside her baby until it’s the time of delivery and childbirth. The unique organ plays an important role in your pregnancy because it acts as a source of nutrition and oxygen through the umbilical cord but can sometimes lead to pregnancy complications like placenta previa, says Best Obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctors in Dubai. 

What is placenta previa in pregnancy? 

Placenta previa is a rare condition that occurs in pregnancy in which the placenta lies low in the uterus and completely covers the cervix. In general, the condition affects around 2 in 100 women leading to severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. In most cases of placenta previa women deliver their baby through C-section. 

The placenta is a growing organ in the uterus during pregnancy. In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches to the uterus at the top or side. The placenta attaches low in the uterus in placenta previa. The placenta may partially or completely cover the uterine entrance, known as the cervix. A previa placenta can cause serious bleeding in the mother before, during, and after delivery.

During pregnancy, an organ called the placenta develops inside the uterine. It functions to supply oxygen and sustenance to the baby as well as to remove waste. The umbilical cord links the placenta to your baby. The placenta is usually linked to the top or side of the uterine inner wall.

What are the types of placenta previa? 

In normal cases of pregnancy, the placenta develops and gets attached to the upper or side portion of the uterus but in the case of placenta previa, it attaches in the lower lying near the cervix on a different angle. The different types of placenta previa include: 

Partial: In the partial type of placenta previa the cervix is partially covered leaving some chances of normal/ vaginal delivery.

Marginal: In the marginal type of placenta previa, it attaches in a placement that only blocks the edge of the cervical opening.

Complete: In the complete type of placenta previa, the placenta covers the entire cervix leaving no chances of vaginal delivery. 

causes 

As there is no specific reason that explains why and by what placenta previa is caused but definitely there are several factors that may or may not contribute to the risk of developing placenta previa. The common factors that can cause placenta previa are: 

• You have had a baby. 
• Case of any medical surgery that left a scar.
• You are carrying multiple.
• You are above the age of 35.
• You have had placenta previa before. 

Symptoms 

Just like the symptoms of placenta previa are not certain, the same goes with the symptoms of placenta previa. As per top gynaecologists in Dubai, pregnant women do not have any other symptoms and it is not harmful to a baby’s growth and development but still includes risks to the baby. 

The common symptoms of placenta previa are: 

• Vaginal bleeding after the 20th week of pregnancy 
• Sharp pains 
• Cramps

Risk factors

When the placenta is not in the right place before delivery, it usually corrects itself otherwise it results in a high-risk pregnancy case. The risks occur both for you and your baby and the most common complication includes: 

For mother: 

• Bleeding 
• Early birth 
• Placenta accreta 
• Placenta abruption 
• Blood loss 
• Have had a previous C-section delivery
•  You have scars on the uterus from a previous surgery 
• You had a placenta previa with a previous pregnancy
•  If You smoke or use cocaine.
•  If You’re 35 or older.
•  If You’ve been pregnant several times before.
• You’re pregnant with twins, or more.
• If You’ve had surgery on your uterus, including a C-section or a     D&C (dilation and curettage).
• If You have a history of uterine fibroids.

For baby: 

• Low birth weight
• Respiratory issues 
• Premature birth 

Complications

If you have placenta previa, your Doctor will monitor you and your baby to reduce the risk of complications:

• Bleeding. Severe, vaginal bleeding can occur during the pregnancy, labor, delivery or in the first few hours after delivery.
• Preterm birth. Severe bleeding may prompt an emergency C-section before your baby is fully developed.
• Placenta accreta spectrum. Placenta previa is linked to a range of disorders known as the placenta accreta spectrum. The placenta develops into or through the uterine wall in certain cases. A placenta accreta increases the risk of bleeding throughout pregnancy, as well as during and after delivery.

Can you have placenta previa without bleeding?

Yes, you can have placenta previa without experiencing vaginal bleeding. You may experience slight cramping or soreness in your pelvic area or back. Any bleeding or pelvic pain should be discussed with your healthcare physician.

Can placenta previa cause a miscarriage?

Miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy is terminated before the 20th week. Pregnancy care providers often do not diagnose placenta previa until the 20th week of pregnancy or later. It is unusual for placenta previa to be the cause of a miscarriage.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is placenta previa diagnosed?

Pregnancy Health care providers usually identify placenta previa in an ultrasound around 20 weeks of pregnancy. If a person has vaginal bleeding then it is a  symptom of placenta previa . Your health care provider will advise ultrasounds to monitor the placement of the placenta .

What tests are used to diagnose placenta previa?

Your Pregnancy  healthcare provider will diagnose placenta previa using ultrasounds. 

• Vaginal ultrasound: During this procedure, your provider inserts a wand-like instrument (a transducer) into your vagina to assess the location of your baby, placenta, and cervix.
• Abdominal ultrasound: Your Pregnancy  healthcare provider places gel on your abdomen, then moves a handheld device (the transducer) around the outside of your belly. This can  help them to check  the position of your baby, the placenta and your cervix.

Both types of ultrasound show the report, With the help of ultrasound report your healthcare provider determine how much of your cervix is covered  by the placenta and how much is clear and recommend the treatment 

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