Health Topics A-Z

How Do I Know If I Have Placenta Previa?

If you have vaginal bleeding, your doctor will do an ultrasound to look for problems with the placenta. Most women with placenta previa have no bleeding and are usually diagnosed by a routine ultrasound examination early in pregnancy. If you start bleeding, your doctor will probably not perform a cervical exam if placenta previa is suspected because this can further disturb the placenta and promote dangerous bleeding.

What Are the Treatments?

Because 90% of placenta previas early in pregnancy resolve on their own, early treatment is often not necessary unless there are other complications. You may be advised to abstain from sex. Your doctor will usually repeat ultrasounds later in pregnancy to verify the position of the placenta. Women with placenta previa as their due date approaches nearly always give birth by cesarean section. If bleeding is severe, an emergency cesarean section may be performed.

If bleeding is not extensive, your doctor will probably prescribe bed rest either in the hospital or at home. In the hospital the staff will be able to monitor the fetus's heart rate and make sure that your blood loss is not affecting you or the fetus. If you are close to your due date, your doctor may choose to do an amniocentesis to see if the baby is mature enough for delivery. Women with placenta previa usually have a cesarean section before their due date

How Can I Prevent It?

Smokers are at increased risk of placenta previa, so reduce the danger by stopping smoking.