women s health issues
Placenta Previa
Introduction
Placenta previa is attachment (implantation) of the placenta over the opening of the cervix, in the lower rather than the upper part of the uterus. Women may have painless, sometimes profuse bleeding late in the pregnancy. Ultrasonography can usually confirm the diagnosis. Modified activity may be all that is needed, but if bleeding is severe and continues or if the fetus or woman develop problems, cesarean delivery is done. Pregnancy complications, such as placenta previa, are problems that occur only during pregnancy. They may affect the woman, the fetus, or both and may occur at different times during the pregnancy. However, most pregnancy complications can be effectively treated. Normally, the placenta is located in the upper part of the uterus. In placenta previa, the placenta is located in the lower part. It covers the opening of the cervix—the entrance to the birth canal. Sometimes the placenta is located near the opening of the cervix, not over it (called a low-lying placenta). Placenta previa occurs in about 1 of 800 deliveries. During the 2nd trimester, as many as 2% of pregnant women have placenta previa. Placenta previa may be visible on ultrasonography. However, it resolves on its own in more than 90% of women before they deliver. If it does not resolve, the placenta may detach from the uterus, depriving the baby of its blood supply. Passage of the baby through the birth canal can also tear the placenta, causing severe bleeding. Risk factors(conditions that increase the risk of a disorder) for placenta previa include the following: Having had more than one pregnancy Having had a cesarean delivery Having a structural abnormality of the uterus, such as Uterine Fibroids None Having had a procedure that involves the uterus such as removal of fibroids from the uterus ( Surgery for fibroids ) or Smoking Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more babies ( Multiple Births ) Being older 