Placenta Previa
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Placenta previa is a condition that causes your placenta to grow near or completely over the opening to your cervix. If your placenta grows too near your cervix, it could grow completely over it and block the opening to your vagina. This may cause vaginal bleeding that is harmful to you and your baby.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
- You cough up blood.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You have any amount of bleeding from your vagina.
- You are having severe abdominal pain or contractions.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You feel faint or too weak to stand up.
Call your doctor or obstetrician if:
- You feel abdominal cramps, pressure, or tightening.
- Your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Medicines to stop contractions are given if your baby is not ready to be born.
- Steroids may be given if you need to deliver your baby earlier than expected. These medicines help your baby's lungs mature and prevent breathing problems after he or she is born.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection in your uterus.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip does or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage 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 from the hospital. You will also need to make sure someone is ready to take you to the hospital if needed.
- You may need to be on bedrest until your baby is born. Ask your healthcare provider which activities you may do while you are on bedrest.
- Do not douche or have sex. These may cause bleeding.
Follow up with your doctor or obstetrician as directed:
You may need to return for repeat ultrasounds. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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.
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