PLACENTA PRAEVIA
OVERVIEW
One of the most common problems of women is Placenta Praevia. This occurs during a pregnancy when the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and obstructs its opening to the cervix. The placenta lies in the lowest part of the womb at the initial stage of pregnancy but as the womb continues to develop the placenta moves to the top of the womb. The state when the placenta doesn't change its position is called Placenta Praevia. Also, it can be the biggest threat for the mother and baby as sudden it leads to sudden bleeding.
Symptoms
Sudden bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy is the prominent symptom of Placenta Praevia. Cramps are the other signs that a woman may experience during the state of Placenta Praevia. Further, other notable aspects of it are that the bleeding starts often near the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. A pregnancy ultrasound can easily detect this.
Causes
A study reveals that Placenta Praevia is common in 1 of every 200 pregnancy cases. Generally this occurs to a woman who has:
- An abnormally shaped uterus
- History of multiple pregnancy cases
- Scarring on the lining of the uterus, due to history of surgery, C-section, previous pregnancy, or abortion
Treatments
The Placenta Praevia can be treated; however, it strictly depends on the type of it and the stage of pregnancy. Further, it is always wise to accept that a woman with Placenta Praevia, partial or complete, requires a C-section.
- If the placenta is covering a part of the cervix, doctor may suggest limiting activities, bed rest, and pelvic rest
- Blood transfusions
- Medicines to prevent early labor
- Medicines till pregnancy continuation to at least 36 weeks
- Steroid shots to help the baby's lungs mature
