Pregnancy is a very beautiful and hopeful time for you, the one who hopes to become a mother. However, there are times when even the smallest things can make you feel scared and anxious. Perhaps when you read your scan report and the doctor says, "The placenta is a little low" or "There is a condition called placenta previa ," you must have felt very scared. "What is that? Will it cause problems for me and the baby?" You must have thought. Don't worry. This is a condition that many mothers experience. So today, let's talk about this, that is, Placenta Previa, in a simple way, and find answers to all the questions you have in your mind.
What is Placenta Previa?
Okay, first let's look at what the placenta is. Simply put, the placenta is a special organ that develops inside your uterus during pregnancy. It is connected to your baby through the umbilical cord. The baby's oxygen, nutrition, and food are all transferred from you to the baby through this placenta. It also carries the waste products produced by the baby's body back to your body and gets rid of them. It's like the baby's "supply center."
Normally, this placenta is located in the upper part of the uterus. However, in the case of Placenta Previa , instead of being located in the upper part of the uterus, it is located in the lower part of the uterus, that is, near the opening through which the baby comes out during childbirth, or the cervix, or it is completely closed.
Imagine, this placenta is stuck right near the entrance where the baby comes out. That's when the problem starts.
When labor begins, the cervix begins to open. Then, the blood vessels in the placenta, which is covering the cervix, can stretch and tear, causing bleeding. This can be very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. That's why doctors recommend that mothers with Placenta Previa have a cesarean section (C-section) instead of having a normal delivery.
What are the main types of Placenta Previa?
This condition is not all the same. There are several main types of placenta previa, depending on the extent to which the placenta covers the cervix. Depending on this type, the treatment and risks you receive may vary.
| Type | Meaning | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Previa | The cervix is completely covered by the placenta. | This is the highest risk situation and will require a cesarean section (C-section). |
| Partial Previa | Only part of the cervix is covered. | Here too, the risk of bleeding is high. In most cases, a cesarean section is recommended. |
| Marginal Previa (Low-lying Placenta) | The placenta is very close to the cervix, but the cervix is not closed. | The good news is that as the pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows, there is a 90% chance that this placenta will move up. Therefore, this usually resolves without a problem during delivery. |
What are the symptoms of Placenta Previa?
Most of the time, mothers with this condition don't show any symptoms. It's only discovered through a scan. But if symptoms do appear, the main thing is:
- A sudden, painless, light red vaginal bleeding. This usually occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The amount of bleeding can be light or heavy.
- Sometimes, as the bleeding progresses , you may feel a tightening sensation in your stomach (contractions) along with abdominal pain. Or you may feel a tightening sensation in your back.
The most important thing is, if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy for any reason, don't assume it's normal. See a doctor immediately.
If you lose a lot of blood, you may also experience symptoms of anemia, such as paleness, difficulty breathing, a weak pulse, and low blood pressure .
Who is most at risk for this condition?
Although doctors do not know the exact cause of placenta previa, they have found that some people are at higher risk.
- For smokers
- For those who use drugs like cocaine
- For those who have had several previous pregnancies
- For those over 35 years old
- Those who have had previous uterine surgery , especially a cesarean section (C-section)
- For those who are pregnant with twins or triplets
Can Placenta Previa Cause Preterm Birth?
Yes. This is one of the main complications of Placenta Previa. If there is uncontrollable heavy bleeding, doctors have to perform an emergency cesarean section to save the lives of both mother and baby before the baby is fully developed, that is, before 37 weeks. This is what we call a preterm birth.
How does the doctor diagnose and treat this?
This condition is often detected during a routine ultrasound scan, which is done around 20 weeks into your pregnancy. It clearly shows where the placenta is located.
There is no specific "cure" for this. That is, the placenta cannot be removed from its original location. The main goal of treatment is to control bleeding and safely maintain the pregnancy until the due date is as close as possible.
The treatment you receive will depend on the following factors:
- Amount of bleeding: If there is no bleeding or very little bleeding, your doctor will tell you to take complete bed rest at home. This means that you will be advised to completely avoid strenuous activities, lifting weights, having sex, and exercising . However, if the bleeding is severe, you will need to be taken to the emergency room (ETU) of the hospital immediately. You may be kept in the hospital and may even need a blood transfusion if necessary.
- Baby's development: Due to the risk of premature birth, corticosteroid injections may be given to help the baby's lungs develop faster.
- Delivery: If everything is going well, when the time comes for the baby to be safely delivered (around 36-37 weeks), your doctor will schedule a C-section for you. However, if you are bleeding uncontrollably, or if the baby is not fully developed, an emergency C-section may be necessary to save the life of both mother and baby.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
This is very important.
If you experience any vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester of your pregnancy, call your doctor immediately without delay.
If the bleeding is severe, or if you feel dizzy or have a tight stomach, go straight to the nearest hospital or emergency room (ETU). Acting quickly at a time like this is very important for your and your baby's life.
Take-Home Message
- Placenta Previa is when the placenta is located low in the uterus, near or covering the opening through which the baby comes out (the cervix).
- The main symptom is painless bleeding that occurs in late pregnancy.
- This condition is usually diagnosed through a scan. Don't worry, your doctor will advise you on how to manage this condition.
- The goal of treatment is to control the bleeding and deliver the baby by safe cesarean section at the appropriate time.
- If you experience any bleeding during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, don't ignore it. See your doctor immediately. Heavy bleeding is an emergency.
- Follow your doctor's instructions about rest and activity restrictions carefully. It is very important for your safety and that of your baby.
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