Are there any natural treatments for placenta previa?

There are several claims online offering magical solutions for placenta previa, ranging from acupuncture to specific herbal concoctions. However, there is no scientific evidence to support any of this. Consult your doctor before using any of these nonmedical placenta previa therapies, especially holistic herbs.

Is vaginal delivery possible with placenta previa?

While it is possible to have a vaginal birth if your cervix is just partly covered, it is generally not advised.

Low-lying Placenta During Pregnancy,Low-Lying Placenta (Placenta Previa): What It Means for Your Pregnancy

You're probably aware that the placenta is essential throughout pregnancy. The organ, among other things, delivers oxygen and nutrition to your developing baby while also removing waste. However, occasionally things go wrong with the location of the placenta, a condition known as placenta previa—which may have serious consequences for your pregnancy.

What Is Placenta Previa?

Most pregnancies have the placenta attached to the top or side of the uterus. However, in placenta previa, the placenta partly or completely covers your cervix. However, just because you were diagnosed with placenta previa early in your pregnancy does not guarantee that you will continue to have it as you approach childbirth. It can occur early in pregnancy and resolve naturally. As the uterus grows, the placenta moves further away from the cervix.

How Common Is Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa (also known as low-lying placenta) occurs in about one out of every 200 pregnancies during the third trimester.

If you are diagnosed with placenta previa in the first or second trimester, there is a strong possibility it may resolve itself by the third trimester, since the placenta can naturally shift away from the cervix in the next weeks and months. About 90% of the time, the placenta will migrate to its proper position by the time you're ready to deliver—which is why some physicians may overlook the problem if they see it early in your pregnancy. If you still have it later on, they'll work with you to devise a strategy for a healthy, safe birth.

What's The Difference Between Placenta Previa And Placental Abruption?

In placenta previa, the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. Despite its convoluted location, the placenta remains linked to your uterus. A placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus. Both conditions may lead to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labour.

Is The Placenta Previa The Same As The Anterior Placenta?

Placenta previa is not the same as the anterior placenta. The placenta may develop anywhere in your uterus. An anterior location of the placenta indicates that it has been implanted in the front of your body. Think of the anterior placenta as a cushion between your baby and your stomach.

Possible Implications Of Placenta Previa On The Newborn

Placenta previa often causes bleeding during pregnancy, and if severe enough, it may pose health risks to both you and your baby. Women might bleed from the placenta previa at any moment throughout their pregnancy. If there is excessive bleeding, the baby may need to be delivered early. This may lead to consequences such as issues with lung growth, temperature regulation, and breathing.

Additionally, if you go into labour with placenta previa, the placenta may rupture. That may be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. That is why your doctor will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy, and if the placenta previa does not improve by the time you are ready to deliver, your doctor may prescribe a c-section.

Types of Placenta Previa

Previa means "appearing in front of"—in this instance, the cervix. The terminology used to characterise the three main placenta previa kinds pertains to the placenta's location relative to the cervix:

Marginal previa occurs when the placenta touches but does not completely cover the cervix
Partial previa is a condition in which the placenta covers some, but not all, of the cervix
The most dangerous kind of placenta previa is complete previa, which implies that the placenta completely covers the cervix

What Causes Placenta Previa?

There are no known causes of placenta previa; however, there are a few factors that might increase your chance of developing it:

Having had a previous c-section increases your chance of developing placenta previa. Other procedures that might cause scar tissue formation on the uterus, such as fibroid removal or dilatation and curettage (D&C), can also increase the chances.
If you are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more, you are more likely to face this condition
Women over the age of 35 who give birth are more likely to experience complications.
Research has connected smoking to placenta previa; this is most likely because smoking constricts your blood vessels, restricting the availability of oxygen to the placenta.

How Can You Avoid Placenta Previa?

Unfortunately, there is no method to avoid placenta previa. Fortunately, placenta previa is uncommon, although women with specific genetic predispositions may be diagnosed with it. Regular prenatal checkups are the best way to detect risk factors and get necessary treatment.

Placenta Previa Symptoms

It is possible to have placenta previa and be unaware of it until your doctor notices it, but most women will have warning signs. The signs of placenta previa include:

Vaginal bleeding: It is a typical sign of placenta previa.

Early contractions: While not one of the most common placenta previa symptoms, some women may experience them.

Breech position: Though you will most likely not feel this symptom if you have placenta previa, your baby may migrate into a breech position—with their head up rather than down. This might occur if the placenta is obstructing the space where the baby's head would normally fit.

What Are The Risk Factors For Having Placenta Previa?

Several factors increase the chance of placenta previa during pregnancy:

You smoke cigarettes or use cocaine
You are 35 or older
You've been pregnant several times previously
You are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
You've undergone uterine surgery, such as a C-section or dilation and curettage (D&C)
You have a history of uterine fibroids

Can You Have A Placenta Previa Without Bleeding?

Yes, it is possible to have placenta previa without experiencing vaginal bleeding. You may get moderate cramps or soreness in your pelvis or back. It is advisable to address any bleeding or pelvic discomfort with your doctor.

Why Are You Bleeding When You Have Placenta Previa?

There are two primary reasons why you bleed if you have placenta previa. They have to do with how your body gets ready for labour.

The cervix is the entrance from the uterus to the vagina. As the third trimester proceeds, your cervix thins (effaces) and widens in preparation for delivery. If your placenta is contacting or covering your cervix, it will shrink and cause bleeding.
During labour, your cervix dilates (opens) to enable the baby to leave your uterus and descend down your vagina. When your cervix opens, the arteries that link the placenta to your uterus tear, which may cause bleeding.

Can Placenta Previa Induce Miscarriage?

Miscarriage

happens when you lose your pregnancy before 20 weeks. Placenta previa is commonly diagnosed around or after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is unusual for placenta previa to induce a miscarriage.

How Is Placenta Previa Diagnosed?

Pregnancy care professionals often detect placenta previa during a routine ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is sometimes discovered when a person has signs of placenta previa, such as vaginal bleeding. Your doctor will prescribe ultrasounds to check the placenta's position for the rest of your pregnancy.

Which Tests Are Used To Identify Placenta Previa?

Your healthcare professional will detect placenta previa utilising ultrasounds, which reveal the interior of the female reproductive system:

Vaginal ultrasound (or transvaginal ultrasound): Your physician inserts a wand-like instrument (a transducer) into your vagina to examine the location of your baby, placenta, and cervix.

Abdominal ultrasound: Your physician applies gel to your abdomen and glides a portable instrument (the transducer) around the exterior of your belly. This may also reveal the location of your baby, placenta, and cervix.

Both forms of ultrasonography display pictures on a monitor or screen. Your prenatal care provider will assess the amount of your cervix covered by the placenta and propose therapy.

Placenta Previa Treatment

Unfortunately, no medicine or technique can remove placenta previa. Instead, physicians will often use ultrasonography to constantly monitor your health and see whether it changes. Bohn suggests that if you have a little bleeding, your doctor may advise you to avoid vigorous activity, vaginal intercourse, and cervix checks.

However as per experts, if the bleeding persists, a C-section is frequently the safest option. Treatment for placenta previa depends on:

How heavily you are bleeding
Your baby’s gestational age
The location of your placenta and baby
The health of you and your baby

If your doctor diagnoses placenta previa early in your second trimester, it might resolve on its own. The location of the placenta may alter as your uterus grows to accommodate the developing baby. If your provider diagnoses you later in pregnancy, the probability of the placenta moving higher in your uterus decreases.

If the placenta is close or covers just a portion of the cervix and you are not bleeding, your healthcare professional may advise:

Reduce intense activity such as running, lifting, and exercise
Bed rest at home
No sexual intercourse, tampons, or douching
More frequent prenatal checkups and ultrasounds

Other therapeutic options for moderate to severe instances of placenta previa or regular bleeding include:

In the hospital, patients are required to relax in bed
Medicine to prevent premature labour
Steroid doses to assist the baby's lungs grow more quickly
If you are bleeding profusely, you may need a blood transfusion
An emergency C-section to treat severe, uncontrollable bleeding

Does The Placenta Previa Go Away?

If diagnosed in the second trimester, placenta previa might resolve on its own. When the placenta moves on its own, it moves to the top of your uterus. The placenta may continue to shift as your uterus grows throughout the third trimester. The longer it sits on the cervix during pregnancy, the less probable it is to disappear. Your healthcare professional will check the location of the placenta to evaluate whether the problem has improved before birth.

Can I Lower My Chance Of Placenta Previa?

There is no way to avoid placenta previa, and no surgical or medicinal therapy can treat it. Certain risk factors for placenta previa are within your control, such as avoiding smoking or taking cocaine. Once your doctor has diagnosed the issue, there are techniques to lessen vaginal bleeding.

What May I Anticipate If My Placenta Is Previa?

Your treatment will be specific to your situation. Most individuals may anticipate the following:

Frequent monitoring throughout the second and third trimesters. Your physician conducts this to monitor the location of the placenta and any changes in symptoms.
Physical activities such as exercise and sex may be modified or limited.
Post-delivery blood tests are used to assess your blood count.

Will My Baby Be Delivered Early If I Have A Placenta Previa?

Maybe. Before determining whether to deliver early, your healthcare professional will assess the quantity of bleeding, the location of the placenta, and the baby's gestational age. Around 36 weeks of pregnancy, an early birth may be the best choice for both you and your baby's health. Other times, a person reaches full term, which is 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Will You Require A C-Section If You Have Placenta Previa?

If you have placenta previa, a C-section is typically the safest way to deliver. If the placenta covers any portion of your cervix, a vaginal birth might result in significant bleeding. Your doctor will usually plan your C-section in advance, but if your bleeding becomes too severe at any point, you may need an emergency C-section.

What Are The Questions I Should Ask My Doctor?

Your doctor should be able to answer your questions and prepare you for the treatment of placenta previa. Here are a few questions you might ask:

Is the baby's life in danger? Is mine?
What are my treatment options?
How will I know if my placenta previa disappears?
Should I restrict certain activities?
Can the baby be delivered now?
What are the probable complications?
Will I need further ultrasounds or tests?
What are the signals that I should go to the hospital?

What Questions Will Your Physician Ask You?

When did you first notice the bleeding?
How severe is the bleeding?
Is the bleeding consistent or does it come and go?
Are you experiencing any pelvic pain?
Have you experienced any previous pregnancy complications?
Have you had uterine surgery?
Do you smoke or take cocaine?
Is someone available to care for you if bed rest is required?

When To See Doctor?

If you notice bleeding, cramping, or pelvic discomfort throughout your pregnancy, particularly in the second half, contact your doctor right away.

When Should You Visit The ER?

If you are suffering serious blood loss, get emergency medical attention right once. Major blood loss has numerous dangerous negative effects for both you and your baby.

Can You Exercise With A Placenta Previa?

Your healthcare physician would most likely advise you to minimise activities such as exercising, squatting, leaping, and lifting. These actions may cause bleeding. It is advisable to discuss your daily activities with your physician so that they may recommend changes as needed.
Can You Have Sex If You Have A Placenta Previa?
Most healthcare practitioners would advise you to avoid sexual intercourse if you have placenta previa. It is recommended to avoid any activity that may cause bleeding or contractions, such as using tampons, douching, or putting anything into your vagina.

Placenta previa is a curable issue, and most women go on to have healthy infants. You are more likely to have a safe birth if you follow your prenatal care provider's instructions. Don't be scared to speak up if you notice any bleeding or pain throughout your pregnancy.

FAQs on What You Need to Know About Placenta Previa?

Are there any natural treatments for placenta previa?
There are several claims online offering magical solutions for placenta previa, ranging from acupuncture to specific herbal concoctions. However, there is no scientific evidence to support any of this. Consult your doctor before using any of these nonmedical placenta previa therapies, especially holistic herbs.
Is vaginal delivery possible with placenta previa?
While it is possible to have a vaginal birth if your cervix is just partly covered, it is generally not advised.