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Pregnant, Scan Showed Placenta Previa. What Precautions Should Be Taken?
Hi, I am 24 weeks pregnant now. In my last scan at 20 wks, it was mentioned Placenta - fundal posterior wall mid and lower uterine segment about 3.3 cms away from internal os with grade 1 maturity . On consulting the doctor yesterday, she mentioned that there is a chance of placenta previa . Please let me know if there are any precautionary measures that can be taken for this.
Wed, 12 Sep 2012
Hi welcome to healthcare magic
Placenta previa is a complication where the placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus close to the cervix, it is associated with antepartum haemorrhage.It is classified according to the location of the placenta ranging from type 1 to type 4 where type 4 is the most serious- the placenta completely covers the top of the cervix.
In cases where the pregnancy is uncomplicated , normal pregnancy management is continued until an episode of bleeding occurs, if you experience any bleeding or contractions however you need to go straight to the hospital.
If bleeding occurs and it is minimal and the baby is ok then the doctors will continue expectant management (watchful waiting) to allow the baby to mature further.
The doctor may also consider the use of medication that can reduce any contractions if they occur and the bleeding is minimal.
In the third trimester you will need to avoid sexual intercourse, exercise and reduce your activity level, bed rest may be necessary.
There is a risk of recurrence so if you get pregnant again you will need to tell the obstetrician caring for you.
I hope this helps, wishing you a beautiful and healthy baby
Placenta previa is a complication where the placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus close to the cervix, it is associated with antepartum haemorrhage.It is classified according to the location of the placenta ranging from type 1 to type 4 where type 4 is the most serious- the placenta completely covers the top of the cervix.
In cases where the pregnancy is uncomplicated , normal pregnancy management is continued until an episode of bleeding occurs, if you experience any bleeding or contractions however you need to go straight to the hospital.
If bleeding occurs and it is minimal and the baby is ok then the doctors will continue expectant management (watchful waiting) to allow the baby to mature further.
The doctor may also consider the use of medication that can reduce any contractions if they occur and the bleeding is minimal.
In the third trimester you will need to avoid sexual intercourse, exercise and reduce your activity level, bed rest may be necessary.
There is a risk of recurrence so if you get pregnant again you will need to tell the obstetrician caring for you.
I hope this helps, wishing you a beautiful and healthy baby
I find this answer helpful
hello,
If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix.
During pregnancy, the placenta moves as the womb stretches and grows. It is very common for the placenta to be low in the womb in early pregnancy. But as the pregnancy continues, the placenta moves to the top of the womb. By the third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of the womb, so the cervix is open for delivery.
Since the placenta is implanted in the uterus, it doesn't actually move, but it can end up farther from your cervix as your uterus expands. Also, as the placenta itself grows, it's likely to grow toward the richer blood supply in the upper part of the uterus.
YOU can follow the below measures
Reducing your activities
Bed rest only in case of a bleeding
Pelvic rest, which means no sex, no tampons, and no douching
Call your health care provider if you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
Avoid Alcohol use and smoking during pregnancy
A follow up scan is needed in the 3rd trimester to see the position of placenta.
If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix.
During pregnancy, the placenta moves as the womb stretches and grows. It is very common for the placenta to be low in the womb in early pregnancy. But as the pregnancy continues, the placenta moves to the top of the womb. By the third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of the womb, so the cervix is open for delivery.
Since the placenta is implanted in the uterus, it doesn't actually move, but it can end up farther from your cervix as your uterus expands. Also, as the placenta itself grows, it's likely to grow toward the richer blood supply in the upper part of the uterus.
YOU can follow the below measures
Reducing your activities
Bed rest only in case of a bleeding
Pelvic rest, which means no sex, no tampons, and no douching
Call your health care provider if you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
Avoid Alcohol use and smoking during pregnancy
A follow up scan is needed in the 3rd trimester to see the position of placenta.
I find this answer helpful
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