A 28-year-old member asked:
what is placenta previa?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Placenta over cervix: Placenta previa is a complication of pregnancy where the placenta is covering the opening of the uterus called the cervix. It occurs in 1/200 pregnancies more commonly in patients with a previous c section. If diagnosed in early pregnancy it may resolve before delivery. If not a C-section will be needed. It can cause painless bleeding often requiring bedrest.
6490 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Banks Hinshaw answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 43 years experience
Placenta over cervix: The placenta, the interface between mother and fetus, is normally located in the upper uterus. If it is in the lower uterus and covering or partially the cervix, bleeding is likely to occur when labor starts. Delivery must be by scheduled c-section. Sometimes such placenta can be abnormally attached to the uterus as well as abnormally located, and this can cause additional complications.
6488 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Nguyen answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 11 years experience
Abnormal implanting: Previa: Placenta overlies the cervix/birth canal. Gr 1 means placenta is close, Gr 4 means it's directly overlying/blocking the baby's exit -- high chance of preterm labor & bleeding; you'd need a C/S at 36-37wks. More common in woman w/ hx of C/S & smoking. Not much you can do but wait. If dx'ed early, the uterus still grows/stretches and a placenta can migrate away even in 3rd tri. Follow w/ US.
2754 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Nikolaos Zacharias answered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 26 years experience
Blocks birth canal.: Placenta previa occurs when it implants over the maternal cervix of the uterus, thereby blocking the birth canal and precluding safe vaginal delivery. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that is best managed by experienced obstetrician/maternal-fetal medicine specialist at a large tertiary hospital with blood bank and ICU availability.
5726 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
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Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
Does placenta previa require treatment?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Rebecca Gray answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 14 years experience
Maybe: If a placenta previa is still present at term, a cesarean delivery is indicated.
6310 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
What can you tell me about placenta previa?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Edward Neilsen answered
Family Medicine 19 years experience
Attached over cervix: Placenta previa is when the placenta attaches low inside the uterus, near theopening of the birth canal/cervix. This can cause problems during the birth process because when the cervix starts dilating it could tear the blood vessels in the placenta, depriving the baby of blood and making mom lose too much blood. To be safe, many ob's recommend a c-section instead of vaginal birth.
6020 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are the tests for placenta previa?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Miguel Cano answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 30 years experience
Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the main way to follow a previa. If your previa resolves with time, your labor should be the same as anyone else's. If it doesn't, tests for anemia, clotting factors, and blood availabilty are tests that are performed to be prepared for any emergency at delivery. Most patients are at bed rest in their 2nd trimester and pelvic rest until delivery.
5824 viewsReviewed Jan 1, 2021
A 37-year-old member asked:
Is placenta previa hereditary?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Marina Landa answered
Pathology 32 years experience
no: Placenta previa is an obstetric complication in which the placenta is inserted partially or wholly in lower uterine segment.It can sometimes occur in the later part of the first trimester, but usually during the second or third. It is a leading cause of antepartum haemorrhage (vaginal bleeding). It affects approximately 0.4-0.5% of all labours.
4775 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Could placenta previa lead to placenta percreta?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Roger Duvivier answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 47 years experience
PP can be percreta: A placenta prévia can invade the uterine and cervical tissues and be associated with a placenta increta and placenta percreta.
555 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jan 3, 2016
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