Placenta Previa
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Placenta Previa
The condition may be diagnosed by an ultrasound showing the position of the placenta. If it is detected late in the first or early in the second trimester, often the placenta's location will shift as the uterus enlarges. This can be followed by serial ultrasound. Some people may even remain undiagnosed until delivery, especially in cases of marginal placenta previa. Painless bleeding from the vagina during the third trimester of pregnancy may also indicate the condition.
In many cases, a diagnosis of placenta previa in the early weeks (usually before Week 20) may correct itself as the pregnancy progresses. In other cases, placenta previa may be missed if the placenta is located behind the baby's head.
If you have been diagnosed with placenta previa, your doctor will avoid digital (which means using the fingers) examination of the vagina and the cervix, as this could cause the placenta to tear and lead to heavy bleeding.
In addition to painless vaginal bleeding, other signs that your doctor may look for to confirm a diagnosis of placenta previa include:
- abdominal ultrasound during the second trimester showing the low placement of the placenta
- low-lying placenta revealed by transvaginal or transperineal ultrasound
Treating and Preventing Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a condition that cannot be prevented. However, if you are at high risk, talk about this with your health care provider to avoid complications.
The treatment for placenta previa is usually aimed at minimizing symptoms and ensuring the pregnancy completes 36 weeks. The goal of this treatment is safe delivery of the fetus as close to term as possible by caesarean section. The treatment will therefore depend on answers to the following questions:
- What is the extent or amount of abnormal bleeding?
- How much of the placenta is covering the cervix?
- What is the position of the fetus in the uterus?
- Is the fetus developed enough to survive outside the uterus?
- How many births has the parent previously had?
- Has labour commenced?
Once placenta previa has been diagnosed, further bleeding and complications may be avoided by ensuring the parent has complete bed rest, sometimes in the hospital. Also, pelvic examinations or any sexual activity that may lead to irritation of the cervix or the uterine walls should be avoided.
Once the pregnancy comes to term, or if the bleeding is excessive, the baby will be delivered by caesarean section, especially in cases of complete placenta previa. Vaginal delivery for people with placenta previa might result in placental tear and hemorrhage, putting the parent and the baby at risk. Vaginal delivery may be possible for a person with a low-lying placenta.
With early and more accurate diagnosis of placenta previa, this condition is no longer as big a threat to the parent and the baby as it historically was. The biggest danger remains premature delivery of the baby because of the heavy bleeding. Corticosteroids may be given to help the baby’s lung development if premature delivery cannot be avoided.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Placenta-Previa
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