Categories: Fertility & Pregnancy

What to Expect If You Are Diagnosed with Placenta Previa During Pregnancy

Placenta Previa is a condition some pregnant women get when the placenta is lying unusually low in the uterus, sometimes partially or totally covering the cervix. In a normal pregnancy, the placenta grows high in the uterus above the baby and is far away from the cervix. Due to the placenta’s close proximity to the cervix, the pregnant woman with Placenta Previa will most likely experience episodes of bleeding because the weight of the baby will push some of the placenta out. Depending on the severity of the condition, many doctors will prescribe complete bed rest to minimize the loss of placenta.

I was diagnosed with Placenta Previa when I was five months pregnant. My case was severe enough that I had to quit my job and go on complete bed rest. Unfortunately, my doctors didn’t fully explain the extent of my condition when I was first diagnosed, nor did they tell me what to expect with Placenta Previa. When I had my first episode of bleeding, it was so severe, I was sure I was having a miscarriage. However, there was no pain involved and I could still feel the baby moving. It wasn’t until after I was admitted into the emergency room and had an ultrasound, that the doctor explained to me that this was very common in pregnant women with Placenta Previa, and I would probably experience several more episodes like this throughout my pregnancy. Because of what I had to go through having Placenta Previa, I would like to educate other pregnant women who have Placenta Previa so they will know what to expect and how to better take care of themselves and their baby.

Any pregnant woman with Placenta Previa should know what to expect beforehand. There will most likely be several episodes of bleeding as the pregnancy progresses. The amount of blood could be tremendous, enough to soak several large pads. Each episode of bleeding could last several days, even up to a week. There is usually no pain associated with Placenta Previa and the baby’s movement will continue as normal. The pregnant woman diagnosed with Placenta Previa should be extra careful so as not to trigger more bleeding. Pregnant women with this condition must refrain from any sexual activity, should not lift anything heavy, and should refrain from exercise. In most cases, doctors will put the pregnant woman on strict bed rest, only allowing the patient to get up to go to the bathroom or shower. Also, the patient must eliminate stress as much as possible. Stress can add to body strain that could trigger a bleeding episode. Pregnant women with this condition must be as relaxed as possible. When bleeding does occur, it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately. Sometimes premature contractions could start and medicine will need to be administered to stop this pre-term labor.

In most Placenta Previa cases, the placenta will move to its proper location during the ninth month of pregnancy. However, if it doesn’t, a cesarean section will be necessary. The placenta must come out after the baby, so if the placenta hasn’t moved, it will be impossible for the baby to be born vaginally. Any pregnant woman, who has been diagnosed with Placenta Previa, should educate herself on cesarean delivery and be prepared for a c-section just in case.

Statistically, Placenta Previa is most common in pregnant women over 35, pregnant women who smoke, pregnant women who have had previous cesarean sections, pregnant women who have had at least one child, or women who are pregnant with a male fetus. However, this condition could happen in any pregnant woman of any age regardless of any of the above. Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with placenta Previa should read as much as possible about Placenta Previa in order to feel more comfortable and relaxed about their pregnancy. Although this condition can be serious, and in some cases can result in premature delivery or possible death, the majority of Placenta Previa cases result in the delivery of a healthy baby.