The journey of pregnancy is filled with joyful moments. But challenges and uncertainties can make that joyous journey into a tormenting phase. Out of those pregnancy complications and challenges, Placenta Previa is one of the problems that can cause issues like miscarriage. Approximately, it happens in 1 out of 200 pregnancies, and most of the time it resolves on its own as the pregnancy progresses due to placental migration. But if the issue reaches its last stage, where the placenta covers the cervix, then it becomes a life-threatening challenge for both the mother and the child.
But what is placenta previa, and how does it impact a mother and her baby?
Situations like these require specialised and advanced care, which is why Cradle Children’s Hospital always recommends mothers-to-be to take all the precautions to have a smoother pregnancy, delivery, and even after that.
What is Placenta Previa?
The placenta is one of the crucial parts that support the baby, as it ensures nourishment to the fetus through the umbilical cord. But when it implants in the lower part of the uterus and blocks the cervix (birth canal for a vaginal delivery) partially or completely, it starts to impact the woman. Due to this abnormal placement of the placenta, women experience severe bleeding, and make pregnancy complicated and unsafe for both the mother and the child. Due to increasing cases of placenta previa, the number of caesarean section rates is also increasing.
When Is It Detected?
It is difficult to detect the issue in the first trimester, because a low-lying placenta is common in the first trimester, and it usually moves upward by-passing days upward, as the uterus expands and stretches, which pushes the placenta upwards (away from the cervix). But if it appeared in the same lower position in the second trimester, it is considered a placenta previa. Although the cases are rare, this accounts for 30% of the maternal deaths.
Why Is It Detected In The Later Stage Only?
It can be detected at an early stage, but due to the natural process of placental movement, it becomes difficult to confirm the case. But yes, through ultrasound and proper diagnosis, precautions, and care can help to protect mothers from this challenge.
Why Does It Come Under High-risk?
The most dangerous outcome of placenta previa is sudden and severe hemorrhage, and this can endanger the life of the mother as well as the baby. Under this situation, the mortality rate ranges between 24% to 43%. It can also cause premature birth, oxygen deprivation, fetal distress, placenta accreta (placenta grows into the uterine wall), and stillbirth.
Types of Placenta Previa
- Marginal- when the placenta is near the cervix, but it is not covering it. There are higher chances that, over the period, due to the stretching of the cervix, the placenta moves upwards, and does not create any issue during vaginal delivery.
- Partial- in this situation, the placenta does cover the cervix but not completely, and it does have certain chances of complications. Because if it stays in the lower position, it can lead to a C-section.
- Complete- this is a life-threatening situation where placenta covers the cervix completely, and not allowing or blocking the baby from exiting through the uterus. This is detected in the last trimester of the pregnancy and involves a complicated delivery and risk for the mother and the baby.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore.
- The most crucial and common sign is painless vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in the second or third trimester. It doesn’t matter whether you are having light spotting or heavy bleeding; bleeding is itself a sign that something is definitely not good.
- Cervix become sensitive because of a low-lying placenta, and it causes bleeding during or after intercourse.
- Started to experience heavy bleeding as the pregnancy progressed.
- Unnecessary contractions, backache, pressure on the lower abdomen, and pain indicate the signs of early labor, which is not good.
Causes of Placenta Previa
The exact reason behind it is still not clear, but there are several factors that contribute to increasing the chances of this condition-
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Abnormalities in The Uterus-
Fibroids, scar, structural abnormalities, endometrial damage, or infection increase the possibilities, because these can interfere with the ability of the placenta to attach in the higher part of the uterus.
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Maternal Age-
Age is a contributing factor to several fertility or pregnancy-related complications. By age, women’s vascular supply to the uterus diminishes, and it forces the placenta to cover larger areas to get an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. And due to lower blood supply, the placenta fails to migrate upwards. Women above 35 have a higher risk of placenta previa.
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Previous Surgery-
C-section, uterine surgery, or dilation and curettage (D&C) can impact the implantation of the placenta and cause scarring around the area, which can have possible negative outcomes.
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Multiple Pregnancies-
This type of pregnancy has a higher risk of placental displacement of placenta, because this situation demands the organs to be in their place, but carrying more than one baby creates a limited space, which can shift the placenta to a lower position.
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Smoking and Drinking-
These create the risk of chronic hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), impact the placenta development and embedment in the uterus, vascular damage, reduce blood flow, and can also lead to structural alterations where the placental lining becomes thinner with reduced vascularization.
Risks
- Premature labor and contractions can lead to early delivery, which can cause potential health complications to the baby.
- Hemorrhage or excessive bleeding can be a life-threatening situation for mothers, such as anemia.
- Anemia can weaken the immune system, making mothers susceptible to infection.
- Due to reduced oxygen and nutrition supply, it can impact the growth and well-being of the baby.
- Need for C-section, baby’s organ development issues, and placenta accreta are some of the other risks that can impact both the mother and the child.
Expectant Mothers Need To know
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Make sure to convey everything you are facing, so that your gynecologist can recommend the tests and management to give the best health to the mother and the child.
If this is your second pregnancy, and you have a history of placenta previa, then this time you need to take extra care of yourself. Avoid heavy lifting during pregnancy, because it can put pressure on the uterus and can potentially trigger bleeding. And also, prioritize prenatal care, because you can address potential signs in the beginning, reducing the risks in later stages.
FAQs
Can placenta previa be resolved on its own?
Yes, in most of the cases, it resolves on its own, because weeks pass by, the stretching process of the uterus pushes the placenta upwards.
Is placenta previa linked to long-term health complications?
In most of the cases, due to severe or excessive bleeding, women can face some challenges. But with proper care and medical intervention, the condition can be improved.
Can placenta previa impact future pregnancies?
Yes, it can. Majorly to those who underwent caesarean section, because it puts scar tissue, which can affect placental implantation.
How to protect myself from such a situation?
Prenatal checkups, lifestyle modification, avoiding strenuous activities, and not avoiding any unnecessary hiccups during pregnancy can make your journey smoother.
Conclusion
Most of the women don’t even know about placenta previa and avoid the signs during pregnancy because of the lack of knowledge and awareness, considering it a normal situation. Placenta previa is a manageable condition, but if it is not diagnosed on time, then in the third trimester, you can face the most challenging phase of your pregnancy journey. It might seem a usual challenge, but it can cost a mother’s or a child’s life if not taken care of.
If you are planning for a baby or are currently pregnant, don’t ignore any signs that can impact you and your baby. And if you are confused about whom to approach, then Cradle Children’s Hospital is one of the best hospitals for pregnancy, delivery, or maternity care.
Choosing right is in your hands, so choose Right!
