Placenta Previa

Pregnancy care providers usually identify placenta previa in a routine ultrasound around 20 weeks of pregnancy. It’s sometimes found when a person experiences symptoms of placenta previa like vaginal bleeding. Your provider will recommend ultrasounds to monitor the placement of the placenta for the remainder of your pregnancy.

What tests are used to diagnose placenta previa?

Your healthcare provider will diagnose placenta previa using ultrasounds that show the inside of the female reproductive system:

Vaginal ultrasound (or transvaginal ultrasound): Your provider places a wand-like device (a transducer) into your vagina to check the position of your baby, the placenta and your cervix.
Abdominal ultrasound: Your provider places gel on your abdomen, then moves a handheld device (the transducer) around the outside of your belly. This can also show the position of your baby, the placenta and your cervix.

Both types of ultrasound show the images on a monitor or screen. Your pregnancy care provider will determine how much of your cervix is covered by the placenta and recommend treatment.

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

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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