Can placenta previa go away on its own?

Sometimes placenta previa can resolve on its own, especially if diagnosed in the second trimester. As the uterus continues to grow, the placenta may shift upwards, but the chances of it moving decrease later in pregnancy. Your doctor will monitor its position to check if it clears the cervix before delivery.

Can I prevent placenta previa?

You cannot completely prevent placenta previa, and there is no treatment to correct it. However, you can lower your chances by avoiding controllable risks, such as not smoking or using cocaine. If diagnosed, following your doctor's advice can help reduce bleeding and keep you and your baby safe.

Your Guide for Every Detail You Might Need for Placenta Previa

Pregnancy is usually a time filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. While you are happy to feel your little one grow inside you, there is also anxiety about certain conditions that can make pregnancy challenging. Placenta previa is one such pregnancy challenge that requires prompt medical management for the safety of both you and your baby. Understanding what it is, why it happens, and its types can help you feel more prepared.

What is Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication where the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus and covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus) partially or completely. Since the placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby, its position during pregnancy is important. Usually, the placenta moves to the top of the uterus in the third trimester. However, a low-lying placenta can block the baby's exit from the vagina. This can cause bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, making vaginal birth unsafe.

What are the Types of Placenta Previa?

There are three major types of placenta previa, depending on how much of the cervix is covered:

Complete placenta previa: The placenta fully covers the cervix. This is the most serious form and usually requires a cesarean delivery.
Partial placenta previa: The placenta partially covers the cervix, making vaginal birth risky.
Marginal placenta previa: The placenta reaches the edge of the cervix but does not cover it. This type sometimes resolves as pregnancy progresses.

Each type increases the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, but the severity varies. Your doctor will monitor the placenta's position throughout pregnancy to help you have a safe delivery.

What Causes Placenta Previa?

There is no clear, single cause of why placenta previa occurs. Doctors are still unsure why the placenta sometimes attaches low in the uterus. However, there are certain factors that may increase the risk of placenta previa. These placenta previa risk factors include:

Previous pregnancies: Having been pregnant multiple times (multiparity).
A history of C-section or uterine surgery: Previous cesarean delivery, myomectomy, or repeated D&C procedures can leave scars that affect where the placenta attaches.
A history of placenta previa in an earlier pregnancy: Women who have had it before are more likely to experience it again.
Multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the chance of a low-lying placenta.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Pregnancy achieved through fertility treatments may increase the risk.
Uterine abnormalities: Conditions like fibroids can interfere with normal implantation.
Maternal age: Being 35 years or older.
Lifestyle habits: Smoking cigarettes or using cocaine.

What are the Symptoms of Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa is often asymptomatic. It is usually found during a routine ultrasound in the second trimester. Some common symptoms of placenta previa that may show up suddenly include:

Bright red vaginal bleeding, beginning typically after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Spotting or light bleeding before heavier bleed starts
Mild abdominal or back cramps or contractions
Bleeding that may stop and start over several days
Bleeding that may sometimes be triggered by intercourse or medical examinations
For some, bleeding occurs only once labour begins

Note: Vaginal bleeding is often painless, and the amount of bleeding may differ from patient to patient. However, if you experience any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, it must be reported to your doctor.

How is Placenta Previa Diagnosed?

Placenta previa is usually suspected if you have painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. To confirm, doctors usually rely on ultrasound scans. Doctors usually perform an abdominal ultrasound first to check for placenta previa. To get more accurate images, your doctor may also perform a transvaginal ultrasound. The ultrasounds are safe and help determine how much of the cervix is covered by the placenta.

Note: If bleeding occurs after 20 weeks, a pelvic exam by hand is avoided until placenta previa is ruled out with an ultrasound, as this can trigger heavy bleeding.

What Complications can Placenta Previa Cause?

Placenta previa can lead to serious risks for both the mother and the baby. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor you to reduce these complications. The various placenta previa complications include:
For the mother

Severe vaginal bleeding (haemorrhage) during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or shortly after birth
Need for an emergency C-section if bleeding is severe
Blood loss leading to anaemia, low blood pressure, pale skin, or shortness of breath
Placenta accreta spectrum, a condition in which the placenta grows deeply into the wall of the uterus
Placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterus too early

For the baby
Premature birth if an early C-section is needed due to heavy bleeding
Low birth weight with risks like poor weight gain or difficulty staying warm
Breathing problems caused by underdeveloped lungs

How is Placenta Previa Treated?

The main goal of treatment is to keep you and your baby safe and help you get as close to your due date as possible. Most women with placenta previa will eventually deliver by C-section, especially if bleeding continues.
Treatment depends on:

The amount of bleeding you have
How far along are you in your pregnancy
The exact position of your placenta
Your and your baby's health

Monitoring and lifestyle precautions
If placenta previa is found early in the second trimester, the placenta may move upward as your uterus grows. This can sometimes resolve the condition on its own. If the placenta is still low but you are not bleeding, your doctor may recommend:

Avoiding strenuous activity like running, lifting, or heavy exercise
Bed rest at home
Avoiding sex, tampons, or douching
Extra prenatal visits and ultrasounds to keep a close watch

Hospitalisation and medical management
For moderate or severe cases, or if you have bleeding:

You may need hospital bed rest
Medicines may be given to prevent early labour
Steroid shots may help your baby's lungs mature faster
Blood transfusions may be necessary if you lose a lot of blood

Surgical delivery (C-section)

A C-section is usually scheduled at 36 to 37 weeks if you are stable
If there is heavy, uncontrolled bleeding, an emergency C-section is done right away, no matter the stage of pregnancy
In very rare cases, vaginal delivery may be considered, such as if the placenta is only slightly low and both you and your doctor agree after careful discussion.

Placenta previa is a serious pregnancy condition where the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix. This poses risks such as bleeding and complications at the time of delivery. Understanding its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. With close medical monitoring and timely management, most women with placenta previa can achieve a healthy delivery.

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FAQs on Your Guide for Every Detail You Might Need for Placenta Previa

Can placenta previa go away on its own?
Sometimes placenta previa can resolve on its own, especially if diagnosed in the second trimester. As the uterus continues to grow, the placenta may shift upwards, but the chances of it moving decrease later in pregnancy. Your doctor will monitor its position to check if it clears the cervix before delivery.
Can I prevent placenta previa?
You cannot completely prevent placenta previa, and there is no treatment to correct it. However, you can lower your chances by avoiding controllable risks, such as not smoking or using cocaine. If diagnosed, following your doctor's advice can help reduce bleeding and keep you and your baby safe.