Placenta Previa

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Placenta previa is a condition that can occur in your uterus (womb) before your baby is born. With placenta previa, your placenta grows near or over your cervix (opening out of your uterus). Your placenta is attached to the wall of your uterus. The placenta forms during pregnancy and brings oxygen and nutrition from the mother to the fetus (unborn baby). The placenta also removes waste products from the fetus. Normally, your placenta grows in the upper part of your uterus. When your placenta grows near your cervix, it may block the opening to your vagina.
  
  
• You may have vaginal bleeding that could harm you and your unborn baby. Bleeding often occurs in the late second or early third trimester of your pregnancy. You may also feel contractions (tightening and pain in your stomach). Your caregiver will ask you questions about your health and past pregnancies. He may also do a physical exam. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, may be done to check your unborn baby and placenta. Placenta previa may also resolve on its own before your baby is ready to be born. Treatment depends on how far along in your pregnancy you are. Treatment may include rest, medicines, and delivery (birth) of your baby.
  
  
• When you have placenta previa, you are at risk of having placenta accreta. Placenta accreta is when your placenta attaches deep into the wall of your uterus. Having placenta accreta with placenta previa puts you at a higher risk for bleeding. Ask your caregiver for more information about placenta accreta. Treatment may help decrease or resolve your bleeding. Treatment may also save yours and your baby's life.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Tocolytics: Tocolytics are given to stop contractions if your baby is not ready to be born. Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus tighten and loosen.
  
  
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria. Antibiotics may be needed before giving birth if you have an infection in your uterus. You may also need antibiotics after your baby has been born.
  
  
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners prevent clots from forming in your blood. They may be given if you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where clots form inside your blood vessels.

Follow-up visits:

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. If you have not given birth yet, you may need to return for repeat ultrasounds. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

If you have not given birth yet, you may need to rest more often. You may also need to be on bed rest until your baby is born. If you have given birth, your caregiver may also want you to limit your activity for a period of time. Talk to your caregiver about what activities are OK for you.

Having sex:

With placenta previa, you will not be able to have sex in your third trimester. Even after your baby is born, you may need to avoid having sex for a period of time. Talk to your caregiver about any questions you may have.

Safety plan:

When you have placenta previa, you will need to have a safety plan until your baby is born. Make sure you live, or are staying a short distance away from the hospital. You will also need to make sure someone is ready to take you to the hospital if needed. Talk to your caregiver about other ways to make sure you and your unborn baby are safe.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have abdominal cramps, pressure, or tightening.
  
  
• Your heart is beating faster then what is normal for you.
  
  
• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, condition, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have any bleeding from your vagina.
  
  
• You are having severe (very bad) abdominal pain or contractions.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You fainted or feel too weak to stand up.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Placenta Previa (Aftercare Instructions)