Placenta Previa

During pregnancy the baby receives nourishment from you through the placenta. Normally, the placenta grows and develops in the upper part (fundus) of the uterus (womb). The picture below shows the normal position of the placenta.

In placenta previa, the placenta grows and develops in the lower part of the uterus. This lower part is very thin compared to the upper part. When the placenta grows in the lower part, it can cover the cervix (opening to the birth canal). This may prevent a normal vaginal delivery. There are three types of placenta previa depending on how much of the cervical opening is covered.

C Complete previa. The placenta covers the total opening of the cervix and
blocks a vaginal delivery. This is very serious.

C Partial previa. The placenta covers a part of the opening of the cervix and
blocks a vaginal delivery.

C Low lying Placenta. The placenta is at the edge of the opening.

Page 2 The pictures below show the different positions of placenta previa.

How Often Does Placenta Previa Happen?

Placenta previa happens in about one in 200 pregnancies.

Women At Risk For Placenta Previa

The following situations increase the risk for placenta previa.

C Previous cesarean birth; risk increases with the number of cesarean births
done

C Women over 35 years of age C Previous placenta previa C Previous infections of the uterus C Larger than normal placenta (example - twins) C Surgical procedures involving birth, abortions with curettage, such as D&C
(Dilatation & Curettage)

C Short interval between pregnancies C Black or minority races C Smoking C Multiple pregnancies C Fibroid tumors C Uterine anomalies

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Signs Of Placenta Previa:

Bleeding is the major symptom of placenta previa. The bleeding:

C Is bright red blood from the vagina C May increase with activity
Some women also have contractions.

Treatment Of Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is an emergency (life-threatening) and you should get medical advice right away. If you start vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, your doctor will most likely do an ultrasound. This test can show the position and type of the placenta. The doctor will explain the risks and may admit you to the hospital on strict bed rest. Bed rest helps prevent more bleeding and stretching of the cervix. The goal is to keep you pregnant and allow more time for your baby to grow and develop. You should also avoid any activity which could cause bleeding, such as lifting, straining, sexual intercourse or use of tampons.

Nursing Care
The nursing staff will help you by:

C Watching for more bleeding. This means, counting the number of pads,
checking the amount and color of bleeding.

C Keeping the perineal area clean. C Listening to your baby's heart beat and movement. C Checking your blood count. C Telling you about your tests. C Helping you with your daily care and activities while you are on bed rest. C Providing support and encouragement for you and your family. C Answering questions you and your family may have.

If you would like more written information, please call the Library for Health Information at (614)293-3707. You can also make the request by e-mail: health-info@osu.edu.
Copyright, (3/2003) Department of Women & Infant Nursing The Ohio State University Medical Center

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Upon request all patient education handouts are available in other formats for people with special hearing, vision and language needs, call (614) 293-3191.