- How to identify
- How the treatment is done
- Risks of the placenta previa
- How is delivery in case of placenta previa
Placenta previa, also known as low placenta, occurs when the placenta is partially or totally inserted in the lower region of the uterus, and can cover the internal opening of the cervix.
It is usually detected in the second trimester of pregnancy, but this is not a serious problem, as as the uterus grows, it moves to the top allowing the opening of the cervix to be free for delivery. However, in some cases, it can persist, being confirmed by ultrasound in the third trimester, around 32 weeks.
According to its location in the uterus, the placenta previa can be classified into different types:
- Total placenta previa: the placenta fully covers the internal opening of the cervix; Partial placenta previa: the placenta partially covers the internal opening of the cervix: marginal or lateral placenta previa : the placenta reaches the internal opening of the cervix, but does not cover it; Placenta previa of low implantation: the placenta is located in the inferior part of the uterus, but it does not reach the internal opening of the cervix.
Although it does not always cause symptoms, the placenta previa can cause vaginal bleeding, risk of premature delivery or complications during delivery. This problem is more common in women who are pregnant with twins, multiparous, who have previous uterine scars, who are over 35 years old or who have had a previous placenta. Understand what the placenta is for and what problems it can develop in pregnancy.
Treatment is indicated by the obstetrician, and in case of placenta previa with little bleeding, just rest and avoid sexual intercourse. However, when the placenta previa bleeds heavily, it may be necessary to be hospitalized for fetal and maternal evaluation.
How to identify
Symptoms of placenta previa are more frequent from the third trimester of pregnancy and include vaginal bleeding, usually painless, of bright red color.
In the presence of these symptoms, the pregnant woman must immediately go to the hospital to be examined by the obstetrician and the obstetrician requests an ultrasound to check the location of the placenta, as these symptoms can be confused with the detachment. Find out how the placenta detaches and what to do in these cases.
The diagnosis of the placenta previa is made through an ultrasound exam. When any such irregularity in the placenta is found in early pregnancy, it is called a low placenta, and the placenta is likely to position itself correctly after 30 weeks. In pregnant women who have no symptoms, the placenta previa is only discovered by ultrasound of the 3rd trimester, which is part of the prenatal exams.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of the placenta previa must be guided by the obstetrician and can be done in the hospital or at home, according to the gestational age and the vaginal bleeding that the pregnant woman has. Generally, treatment involves rest and the adoption of some care, such as:
- Avoid making efforts and standing for a long time, staying most of the day sitting or lying down, preferably with your legs elevated; Stop working, having to stay at home; Avoid having intimate contact.
When the bleeding is heavy, the mother may have to be hospitalized and have blood transfusions or even an emergency C-section. In more severe cases, the doctor may also prescribe medication to speed up the development of the baby's organs, as well as medication to prevent premature birth and to keep the pregnancy at least until 36 weeks of gestation. Check out the main consequences of premature birth.
Risks of the placenta previa
The main risk of placenta previa is to cause premature birth and bleeding, which will harm the health of the mother and baby. In addition, the placenta previa can also cause placental accretism, which is when the placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus, making it difficult to leave at the time of delivery. This worsening can cause hemorrhages requiring blood transfusion and, in the most severe cases, total removal of the uterus and life-threatening for the mother. There are 3 types of placental accretism:
- Placenta accreta: when the placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus more lightly; Incredible placenta : the placenta is trapped more deeply than in the accreta; Percrete placenta: this is the most serious case, when the placenta is more strongly and deeply attached to the uterus.
Placental accretion is more common in women who have had a previous cesarean section due to the placenta previa, and often its severity is only known at the time of delivery.
How is delivery in case of placenta previa
Normal delivery is safe when the placenta is located at least 2 cm from the opening of the cervix. However, in other cases or if there is major bleeding, it is necessary to have a cesarean section, as the cervical coverage prevents the baby from passing and can cause bleeding in the mother during normal delivery. Check out the main indications for cesarean section.
In addition, it may be necessary for the baby to be born ahead of schedule, as the placenta can take off too early and impair the baby's oxygen supply.
