Placenta previa

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Anatomy of a normal placenta	Cesarean section	Placenta	Placenta
Placenta previa	Ultrasound, color - normal umbilical cord	Ultrasound, normal fetus - arms and legs	Ultrasound, normal relaxed placenta
Ultrasound in pregnancy

The course of treatment depends on the amount of abnormal uterine bleeding, whether the fetus is developed enough to survive outside the uterus, the amount of placenta over the cervix, the position of the fetus, the parity (number of previous births) for the mother, and the presence or absence of labor.

Early in pregnancy, transfusions may be given to replace maternal blood loss. Medications may be given to prevent premature labor, prolonging pregnancy to at least 36 weeks. Beyond 36 weeks, the benefits of additional infant maturity have to be weighed against the potential for major hemorrhage.

Cesarean section is the method for delivery. It is the most important factor in reducing maternal and infant death rates.

The probable outcome is excellent when the condition is managed appropriately. This means hospitalizing those at risk who are having symptoms, and performing C-section delivery.

Maternal complications include major hemorrhage (bleeding), shock, and death. The risk of infection and formation of blood clots (thromboembolism) also increases, as does the likelihood of the need for a blood transfusion.

Prematurity (infant is less than 36 weeks gestation) is responsible for about 60% of infant deaths in cases of placenta previa. Fetal blood loss or hemorrhage may occur because of the placenta separating from the wall of the uterus during labor. It may also occur with surgical entry into the uterus during a C-section delivery.

Call your health care provider if vaginal bleeding occurs at any point in the pregnancy. Placenta previa can endanger both the mother and the baby.

Review Date: 08/19/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.