During pregnancy, there might be some complications or difficulties that will be experienced by the mother. To be able to detect these in time, regular appointments to your doctor should be made and religiously followed. These would enable the doctor to foresee anything that might be of concern and perform the necessary actions to correct these situations. Awareness is key for doctors and this might be the primary factor in them being able to guide you through a successful high risk pregnancy.
What Exactly Is Placenta Previa?
Placenta Previa is a complication during pregnancy that is characterized by the cervix of the woman being blocked by the placenta. The placenta on the other hand, is a structure that enables nutrients and oxygen to be transferred from the mother to the baby. This structure is extremely important in maintaining the baby’s overall health inside the mother’s womb.
The position and location of the attachment of the placenta to the uterus plays an important role in determining the chances of the woman having this complication or not. In normal cases of pregnancy, the attachment area of the placenta to the uterus is seen high up and away from the cervix. This position in the uterus avoids the blockage of the cervix. In Placenta Previa, the attachment of the placenta to the uterus is seen in a low position in the uterus. This then leads to the complete or partial blockage of the cervix and therefore, the acquisition of the complication.
What Are The Symptoms of Placenta Previa To Look Out For?
Although symptoms are not present in all women with placenta previa, warning signs may be observed. This includes bleeding of the vagina that happens suddenly. This might not be noticed right away by the mother since the vaginal bleeding happens in a painless manner. The color of the blood is characterized as bright red in color and the manner of the bleeding can be heavy or light. Symptoms of having placenta previa can also include those that are felt during early stages of labor. The mother might experience contractions that happen regularly, as well as pains or aches that are felt on the belly or lower back.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Since the vaginal bleeding may happen in different intensities, you can call your doctor when this happens excessively. When vaginal bleeding occurs in medium or heavy instances when the pregnant woman is on her first trimester, the doctor should definitely be called. Also, during the second or third trimester, no bleeding should happen already. So, if any vaginal bleeding occurs, be it light or medium, the attention of the doctor should be called right away. This is to make sure that no further difficulties will be experienced throughout the pregnancy.
How Is Placenta Previa Treated?
Treatment of women with placenta previa is dependent on various factors. These include whether the woman is experiencing vaginal bleeding and how much she is bleeding as well. Also, the extent of how the pregnant woman’s health is affected and of course how her baby is affected is taken into consideration too. Additionally, the due date of the pregnant mother is kept in mind and whether or not the current time is close to the said due date or not.
If Bleeding Is Not Present
In cases where vaginal bleeding does not occur, confinement in the hospital is not required. However, the pregnant woman should be very cautious in doing any sort of activity. Anything that is strenuous such as running, jogging or lifting should be avoided. Also, sexual activity should not be made during the pregnancy. And if any form of vaginal bleeding happens, you should go to the emergency room immediately and call your doctor as well.
If Bleeding Is Present
If this is the case then your doctor might require you to stay in the hospital. When bleeding is present and the pregnant woman has a due date that is close to the current date, the baby will have very high chances of getting delivered right then. A cesarean delivery is always done when doctors see that placenta previa is present during the time of delivery. This is because for a high risk pregnancy, vaginal deliveries could cause the placenta to be disturbed and sever bleeding can ensue.
