Placenta previa (pluh-SEN-tuh PREH-vee-uh) occurs when a baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the opening in the mother’s cervix — the lower end of the uterus that connects to the top of the vagina. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding before or during delivery. <\/p>\n
The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby’s blood. It attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby’s umbilical cord arises from it. In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus. In placenta previa, the placenta attaches to the lower area of the uterus. <\/p>\n
If you have placenta previa, you’ll probably be restricted from physical exertion for a portion of your pregnancy and you’ll likely require a cesarean section (C-section) to safely deliver your baby.<\/p>\n
The placenta grows wherever the embryo implants itself in the uterus. If the embryo implants itself in the lower portion of the uterus, the placenta might grow over the cervix — causing placenta previa. <\/p>\n
Most cases of placenta previa are diagnosed during a second trimester ultrasound examination. If the placenta just barely reaches the cervix, expansion of the uterus may pull the placental attachment higher, away from the cervix, which will resolve the situation. <\/p>\n
If the placenta is across the cervix, however, it’s unlikely to resolve with time. The later in pregnancy that placenta previa exists, the more likely it will be present at the time of delivery. <\/p>\n
Persistent types of placenta previa have been associated with: <\/p>\n
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Bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy is the main sign of placenta previa. Bleeding ranges from light to heavy. The bleeding usually stops without treatment, but it nearly always returns days or weeks later. Some women also experience contractions. <\/p>\n