Placenta previa occurs when the placenta entirely or partially encloses the uterine opening (cervix). When placenta previa occurs, the placenta attaches itself lower in the uterus. Consequently, placental tissue covers a portion of the cervix. Bleeding may occur during pregnancy, during childbirth, or following delivery. KD is a gynecology hospital in Ahmedabad whose team of experts is adept at dealing with such delicate cases.
Pregnancy-related changes to the uterus and placenta may cause the issue to resolve itself. If it doesn't, a cesarean section (C-section) is used to deliver the baby.
The Symptoms
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, bright crimson, typically painless vaginal bleeding is the primary symptom of placenta previa. Spotting can occasionally occur before a more significant blood loss incident.
Prelabor contractions that hurt the uterus may be the cause of the bleeding. In addition, having sex or having a medical examination could cause the bleeding. Bleeding may not start until labor for certain women. Bleeding is frequently the result of unclear circumstances.
The causes for this condition are, unfortunately, unknown so far.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Placenta previa patients are more prone to:
- Borne a child.
- Possess a history of C-section deliveries.
- Have uterine scars from a prior operation or surgery.
- Experienced placenta previa with a prior pregnancy.
- Expecting after undergoing an infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- They are bringing forth many babies.
- Are 35 years of age or older.
- Smoke.
- Take cocaine.
What Are The Complications?
Your doctor will keep an eye on you and your child if you have placenta previa to lower the possibility of these dangerous consequences:
- Bleeding: Vaginal hemorrhage, or severe bleeding, can happen during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or in the initial hours following birth. It can even be fatal.
- Preterm Birth: An emergency C-section before your baby is full term may be necessary if there is severe bleeding.
- Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Placenta previa is linked to a set of disorders known as placenta accreta spectrum. Under these circumstances, the placenta develops through or into the uterine wall. There is a significant chance that placenta accreta will hemorrhage during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Diagnosis
Using ultrasonography, placenta previa is detected either during a routine prenatal visit or following a vaginal bleeding episode. A second-trimester ultrasound examination is used to determine placenta previa in most instances.
An ultrasound machine may be used to make the initial diagnostic on your abdomen. You might also require a transvaginal ultrasound, which employs a wand-like equipment inserted within your vagina to obtain more precise images. Your healthcare professional will carefully adjust the device's location to prevent bleeding or disruption of the placenta.
Treatment
You'll probably need more regular ultrasound tests if placenta previa is discovered during a normal exam to track any placental changes.
Many women with placenta previa who receive a diagnosis early in their pregnancies find that the problem goes away on its own. The space between the placenta and the cervix may expand as the uterus expands. Furthermore, the borders of placental tissue close to the cervix may decrease, and the placenta's growth direction may be higher in the uterus.
Planning for a vaginal delivery might be possible if placenta previa resolves. If it doesn't go away, a C-section will be scheduled.
Treatment Of Bleeding
Once 20 weeks have passed, vaginal bleeding is considered a medical emergency. You might be admitted to the labor and delivery ward of the hospital. We'll watch you and your child, and you could require a blood transfusion to replenish any lost blood.
If your pregnancy is 36 weeks along, the baby will probably be delivered via C-section. Before 36 weeks, an emergency C-section can be necessary if you are experiencing severe blood loss or there is a risk to your health or the health of the unborn child.
You might be discharged from the hospital if this was the first time you had bleeding and it has stopped for at least 48 hours. Should you still experience further intense bleeding episodes, your medical staff might advise you to stay in the hospital.
Treatment With No Bleeding
The aim of treatment when there is no bleeding is to minimize the likelihood of bleeding and to get you as close to your due date as feasible. Most likely, your caregiver will advise you to stay away from the following:
- Sexual activities or interactions that have the potential to cause an orgasm.
- Moderate to intense physical activity.
- Heavy or moderate lifting.
- Spending a lot of time standing.
Following these guidelines will be expected of you if you are discharged from the hospital following a bleeding episode to reduce the likelihood of another one occurring.
If you are experiencing contractions or vaginal bleeding, you should seek emergency medical attention. Your physician can inquire as to whether you have assistance at home that enables you to be transported to a nearby hospital.
Planned C-Section Delivery
You will probably have a C-section birth scheduled for between 36 and 37 weeks even if you have not experienced any bleeding during your pregnancy because of placenta previa, or if you have not experienced any bleeding since the initial episode.
Your healthcare practitioner will offer you corticosteroids to aid in the development of your unborn child's lungs if your delivery is scheduled to occur before 37 weeks.
Coping & Support
You might be concerned about how placenta previa will impact your family, your child, and yourself if you receive a diagnosis. You could find some of these coping mechanisms helpful:
- Learn everything you can about the illness.
- Look for a support group via the hospital, clinic, or other local establishments.
- Find those who can offer emotional support or assistance with daily tasks at home.
- If someone offers to help, be clear about how they can help.
- Plan your child care or transportation in case you require emergency assistance.
Conclusion
Contact your gynecologist in Ahmedabad as soon as possible if you experience vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. If there is significant bleeding, get emergency medical attention.
