Placenta Previa

What is it?

It’s a condition where the placenta, instead of attaching to the top of the uterus, lies low and partially or completely covers the cervix. This can cause issues during labor and delivery, which is why it's important to understand.

Placenta previa is usually detected during an ultrasound. There are different degrees of placenta previa—complete, partial, or low-lying placenta—depending on how much of the cervix is covered.

If the placenta completely covers the cervix, it’s called complete previa. If it partially covers it, that's partial previa. And if it's just a little low but doesn’t cover the cervix, we call it low-lying placenta.

If Diagnosed

Now, if you’re diagnosed with placenta previa, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your pregnancy, but it does mean extra care is needed. The biggest concern is bleeding, especially as the pregnancy progresses.

Your doctor will likely recommend rest, avoiding straining, and possibly restricting exercise or activity that could cause bleeding. Depending on how severe the previa is, you may also be advised to avoid sex or certain movements.

If you’re experiencing any bleeding or other symptoms, it’s super important to check in with your healthcare provider right away. They can monitor you closely and adjust your care plan as needed.

In many cases, if the placenta previa persists into the later stages of pregnancy, a cesarean section might be necessary for a safe delivery. Your healthcare provider will guide you through this, ensuring you and your baby’s safety.

While placenta previa can sound scary, it’s manageable with the right care, and many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries