What Exactly Is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa happens when your placenta sits too low in the uterus and covers the cervix. The cervix is the passage for your baby to come out during birth. It can be of the following types:- Complete / Total, in which the placenta fully covers the cervix
- Partial, in which the placenta covers part of the cervix
- Marginal, in which the placenta touches the edge of the cervix
In this article:
How Does Your Baby Normally Get Oxygen?
Your baby gets oxygen through the placenta and umbilical cord, as their lungs are not mature enough to help them breathe in the womb. Blood flow works as follows:- Your blood brings oxygen to the placenta
- The placenta transfers oxygen to the baby’s blood
- The umbilical cord carries that oxygen-rich blood to the baby
How Can Placenta Previa Affect Oxygen Supply?
Placenta previa does not always reduce oxygen, but it can cause problems in some cases.1. Can Bleeding Reduce Oxygen Flow?
Placenta previa may lead to vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, which may cause the following problems.
- Your blood levels may drop
- Less blood reaches the placenta
- This may temporarily reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the baby
2. Can the Placenta Get Irritated or Not Work Well?
When the placenta lies too low or repeatedly bleeds, it may not function properly. This condition, called placental insufficiency, can affect the following aspects:
- Oxygen transfer
- Baby’s growth
- Baby’s heart rate patterns
3. Does Placenta Previa Increase the Chance of Early Delivery?
Early delivery is possible, around 36-37 weeks, if you bleed repeatedly or for safety reasons.
The earlier a baby arrives, the more support they may need for breathing and oxygen after birth.
What Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?
Placenta previa presents with the following symptoms:- Painless and bright red bleeding
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding in the second half of pregnancy
- Feeling lightheaded due to blood loss
How Do Doctors Check If a Baby Is Getting Enough Oxygen?
Your doctor may use simple methods to check the oxygen supply.- Ultrasounds to check the placenta position
- Doppler scans to check blood flow
- NST (Non-Stress Test) to track the baby’s heart rate
- A biophysical profile to see the baby’s activity and oxygen levels
What Can You Do to Protect Your Baby’s Oxygen Supply?
You can take several steps to keep your pregnancy safe, even if the position of the placenta is out of your hands.- Avoid heavy lifting
- Avoid intercourse (because it can trigger bleeding)
- Rest more
- Stop long-distance travel
- Watch for any bleeding
- Come for more frequent prenatal check-ups
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
- In case of a sudden or heavy bleeding
- Bleeding with dizziness
- Baby’s movements decrease
- Severe abdominal pain
Does Placenta Previa Always Harm the Baby?
Most babies with placenta previa are born healthy with careful monitoring. The following are the goals of regular monitoring:- Prevent blood loss
- Keep oxygen flow steady
- Deliver safely by C-section
How Can Your Partner or Family Support You Emotionally?
Placenta previa can be worrisome because of the repeated bleeding or hospital visits. Support from loved ones can help you stay calm during such times. They can also help you with the following things:- Accompany you to appointments
- Help with household work
- Assist with bed rest
- Provide emotional reassurance
- Stay alert and visit the hospital in case of emergencies
What Should You Keep in Mind Moving Forward? A Quick Checklist
- Notice any vaginal bleeding
- Track your baby’s movements daily
- Follow activity restrictions
- Keep your hospital bag ready (just in case)
- Attend all ultrasounds and monitoring tests
- Stay hydrated and rest often
- Do not panic; you can deliver safely with the correct medical guidance
FAQs on How Placenta Previa Can Affect Baby’s Oxygen Supply — In Very Simple Terms?
- Can placenta previa go away on its own?
It can if it is diagnosed early in pregnancy, which means before 28 weeks. The placenta moves upward as the uterus expands, but your doctor will suggest frequent ultrasounds to monitor its position. - Is a normal delivery possible with placenta previa?
A C-section is the safest option for delivery if the placenta continues to cover the cervix in late pregnancy. - Will my baby need special care after birth?
Most babies do not need any medical assistance. If your baby is born early or has low oxygen levels, your doctor may keep them in the NICU for further observation.