Placenta previa (placenta covers cervix)

Description In placenta previa ...

Description

In placenta previa the placenta covers the cervix (the baby's exit from the uterus). Normally, the placenta is attached away from the cervix. Most pregnancies that begin with placenta previa resolve the problem without treatment--the growth of the uterus shifts the position of the placenta away from the cervix. With placenta previa, bleeding from the placenta can occur. This can threaten the life of the fetus and the mother. Placenta previa is more common in older mothers, mothers with previous cesarean sections and in women with multiple previous childbirths.

Symptoms

Sudden painless vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, often heavy vaginal bleeding (often occurring near the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester), uterine cramping, premature labor.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A pelvic ultrasound can diagnose placenta previa. Blood tests may be done if vaginal bleeding is involved.

Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound

Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Treatment

Close monitoring with repeated ultrasounds, transfusions if bleeding occurs, and if needed medications to stop premature labor. A C-section may be done. Sometimes bed rest and pelvic rest (avoidance of sex) are advised for placenta previa.