
Symptoms
The main symptom of placenta previa is painless, red vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy. Some women develop mild bleeding or spotting in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, bleeding in the last trimester is important for placenta previa. The amount of bleeding can be more or less. It usually resolves within a few days or weeks. Some pregnant women with placenta previa may have uterine contractions with bleeding.
How Many Types Are There
There are three types of placenta previa;
– In total placenta previa, the placenta completely covers the cervix.
– In partial placenta previa, the placenta partially covers the cervix.
– In marginal placenta previa, the placenta extends to the edge of the cervix.
Causes
Placenta previa develops when the placenta settles in the lower part of the uterus and grows to cover the cervix. Some conditions are thought to facilitate this. These conditions include
– Scar tissue in the uterus
– The presence of a large placenta in cases such as multiple pregnancy
– Abnormal uterus structure
What are the Risk Factors
– Having had a cesarean section before
– Placenta previa in a previous pregnancy
– 35 years of age or older
– Smoking
– Having twins, triplets or more babies
– Interventions such as surgery or abortion that leave scar tissue in the uterus
When to see a doctor
When you are pregnant, you should already have regular check-ups with your doctor. If you develop vaginal bleeding in the second or last trimester of your pregnancy, you should inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform the necessary tests, especially ultrasound, to find out the cause of the bleeding. If you have already been diagnosed with placenta previa, remind your doctor about this. This is because a gynecological examination can increase the intensity of the bleeding. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited until you give birth.
How is the diagnosis made
Placenta previa is diagnosed by ultrasound. It can be detected during your regular check-ups or when you are being investigated after vaginal bleeding. The diagnosis is usually made before a dangerous situation develops for both mother and baby.
What it can lead to
If you have been diagnosed with placenta previa, your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely to prevent problems. Problems that may occur include
Bleeding : The most important problem that placenta previa can cause is vaginal bleeding. The severity of bleeding can be severe enough to cause maternal death.
Premature Birth : Severe vaginal bleeding may require an emergency caesarean section, even if your baby’s growth and development is not complete.
How to Treat
The treatment of placenta previa depends on many factors. The amount of vaginal bleeding, whether the bleeding continues, how many weeks your baby is, your health condition, your baby’s health condition, the placement of the placenta and your baby are all factors that will affect the treatment.
– If there is little or no bleeding, only bed rest at home may be recommended. However, you will need to spend most of your time in bed. You are not allowed to have sexual intercourse. Exercise is also not appropriate. Remember to ask your doctor about other things you should and should not do.
– If your placenta is not blocking your cervix, you may be allowed to give birth normally. However, if you develop severe bleeding, you may need an emergency caesarean section.
– If your bleeding is very severe, hospitalization may be necessary. If there is severe blood loss, a blood transfusion will be given. You may be given medication to prevent preterm labor. A caesarean section is planned when your baby is ready. The ideal time is actually 36 weeks. However, it is not always possible to wait and an early caesarean section may be performed. In this case, cortisone treatment can also be given so that your baby’s lungs can develop.
– If you have unstoppable bleeding, you will have an emergency caesarean section, even if your baby is premature.
What to do
If you have been diagnosed with placenta previa, you will of course be concerned about how it will affect you and your baby’s health. Here are some points to help you with this.
– Find out about your condition. Talk to your doctor and connect with women who have had placenta previa in previous pregnancies.
– Be prepared to have a caesarean section. Placenta previa can prevent you from giving birth normally.
– If your doctor has recommended bed rest, strictly follow it.
– Remember that many pregnant women with placenta previa have healthy babies and take good care of yourself without getting depressed.