Why is placenta previa a cause for concern

Join now to personalize. Photo credit: BabyCenter. What is placenta previa? Is placenta previa dangerous? How will I know if I have placenta previa? What are the symptoms of placenta previa? What happens if I have placenta previa late in pregnancy? What complications can placenta previa cause? Who's most at risk for placenta previa? What is vasa previa?

It can be, if it persists. About 1 in women who give birth have placenta previa at the time of delivery. But if any of the following apply to you, you're more likely to have it: You had placenta previa in a previous pregnancy.

You've had c-sections before. The more c-sections you've had, the higher the risk. You're pregnant with twins or more. You're a cigarette smoker. You use cocaine. You've had in-vitro fertilization.

You have an abnormally shaped uterus. Also, the more babies you've had and the older you are, the higher your risk. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Is it safe to use a vibrator while pregnant?

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In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Both types are safe and reliable. You can have a medication abortion up to nine weeks of pregnancy. You can have a surgical abortion from around six weeks of pregnancy onwards. Age affects the fertility of both men and women, and is the single biggest factor affecting a woman?

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Healthy pregnancy. Home Healthy pregnancy. Placenta previa. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms Why the bleeding happens Possible complications Causes and risk factors Diagnosis methods Digital vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided Treatment options vary Treatment during pregnancy Delivery Where to get help Things to remember.

Symptoms The most important symptom in placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks. Why the bleeding happens During the later stages of pregnancy, the bottom part of the uterus thins and spreads to accommodate the growing baby. But others may have warning signs such as:. Most cases of placenta previa are found during the second trimester when a woman has a routine ultrasound. Or it may be found when a pregnant woman has vaginal bleeding and gets an ultrasound to find out what is causing it.

Some women don't find out that they have placenta previa until they have bleeding at the start of labor. A pelvic exam will not be done unless you need a C-section right away. A pelvic exam could injure the placenta and cause heavier bleeding.

If your doctor finds out before your 20th week of pregnancy that your placenta is low in your uterus, chances are very good that it will get better on its own. The position of the placenta can change as the uterus grows.

So by the end of the pregnancy, the placenta may no longer block the cervix. If you aren't bleeding, you may not need to be in the hospital. But you will need to be very careful. If you are bleeding, you may have to stay in the hospital. If you are close to your due date, your baby will be delivered. Doctors always do a C-section when there is a placenta previa at the time of delivery.

A vaginal delivery could disturb the placenta and cause severe bleeding. If your bleeding can be slowed or stopped, your doctor may delay delivery and monitor you and your baby closely. The doctor may do fetal heart monitoring to check your baby's condition. If your newborn is premature, your baby may be treated in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. Premature babies need to stay in the hospital until they can eat, breathe, and stay warm on their own. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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