What are the complications of placenta previa? what risks go along with placenta previa? how serious is the condition?

Bleeding risk.: Placenta previa means that the birth canal is blocked by the afterbirth. This can cause severe vaginal bleeding that can threaten the maternal and fetal life. It carries a risk of placenta accreta and hysterectomy with it and must be managed in a large hospital with a blood bank and perinatal anesthesiology round the clock. It is a serious pregnancy complication! seek mfm care.

Serious: 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.

Bleeding risk.: Placenta previa means that the birth canal is blocked by the afterbirth. This can cause severe vaginal bleeding that can threaten the maternal and fetal life. It carries a risk of placenta accreta and hysterectomy with it and must be managed in a large hospital with a blood bank and perinatal anesthesiology round the clock. It is a serious pregnancy complication! seek mfm care.