Placenta previa, or low-lying placenta, occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix during the last months of pregnancy. This condition can cause severe bleeding before or during labor.
The placenta develops in a woman’s uterus during pregnancy. This sac-like organ provides the developing baby with food and oxygen. It also removes waste products from the baby’s blood. The placenta is also referred to as “afterbirth” because it exits the body after the baby is born.
During pregnancy, the placenta moves as the uterus stretches and grows. It’s normal for the placenta to be low in the uterus in early pregnancy. As the pregnancy continues and the uterus stretches, the placenta typically moves to the top of the uterus. By the third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of the womb. This position allows the cervix, or the entrance to the womb at the bottom of the uterus, a clear path for delivery.
If the placenta attaches instead to the lower part of the uterus, it can cover part or all of the cervix. When the placenta covers part or all of the cervix during the last months of pregnancy, the condition is known as placenta previa, or low-lying placenta. Most women with this condition will require bed rest.
The main symptom is sudden light to heavy bleeding from the vagina, but if any of the symptoms below occur, you should seek immediate medical attention:
cramps or sharp pains
bleeding that starts, stops, and begins again days or weeks later
bleeding after intercourse
bleeding during the second half of pregnancy
Doctors will decide how to treat your placenta previa based on:
the amount of bleeding
the month of your pregnancy
the baby’s health
the position of the placenta and the baby
The amount of bleeding is a doctor’s main consideration when deciding how to treat the condition.
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Ellen said
- 23 Apr 2021
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mom81879 said
- 28 Aug 2016
Post your reply7:51 am
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