Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a condition when the placenta blocks all or part of your cervix in the last months of pregnancy. The placenta develops in your uterus during pregnancy. It’s a sac-like organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the umbilical cord.

The placenta stretches and grows through pregnancy. It’s common for it to be low in your uterus in early pregnancy. In the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40 of pregnancy), the placenta should move to the top of your uterus. This happens so your baby has a clear path to the vagina for delivery. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta doesn’t move to the top of your uterus. This means the placenta is blocking your baby’s exit from your vagina.

What are the types of placenta previa?

There are several types of placenta previa:

Marginal placenta previa: The placenta is positioned at the edge of your cervix. It’s touching your cervix, but not covering it. This type of placenta previa is more likely to resolve on its own before your baby’s due date.
Partial placenta previa: The placenta partially covers your cervix.
Complete or total placenta previa: The placenta is completely covering your cervix, blocking your vagina. This type of placenta previa is less likely to correct itself.

Each type of placenta previa can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labor. Due to the high risk of bleeding, most people will require a Caesarean (C-section) delivery.

How common is placenta previa?

Placenta previa occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies. Pregnancy care providers usually diagnose it in the second trimester during an ultrasound.

What is the difference between placenta previa and placental abruption?

In placenta previa, the placenta is covering all or part of your cervix. Even though the placenta is in a complicated position, it’s still attached to your uterus. A placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from your uterus. Both conditions can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labor.

Is placenta previa the same as anterior placenta?

Placenta previa isn’t the same as anterior placenta. Your placenta can grow anywhere in your uterus. An anterior placement of the placenta means the placenta has implanted in the front of your body. Think of anterior placenta as a pillow between your baby and your stomach.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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