Placenta previa is a pregnancy condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the birth canal, so when the placenta sits too low, it can block the baby’s path for delivery. Placenta previa is found in roughly 1 in 200 pregnancies that reach the third trimester, and it’s typically discovered during a routine ultrasound rather than because something went wrong.
How Placenta Previa Is Detected
Most cases of placenta previa are identified during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, which usually happens around 18 to 22 weeks. During this ultrasound, your provider locates where the placenta has attached inside the uterus. If it’s sitting low or covering the cervix, your provider will note this and plan for follow-up imaging.
It’s worth knowing that an early diagnosis doesn’t always mean the placenta will stay in that position. As your uterus grows throughout pregnancy, the placenta often migrates upward and away from the cervix on its own. Your provider will typically schedule another ultrasound later in pregnancy to check whether the placenta has moved. In many cases, especially when the placenta is only partially covering the cervix, it resolves without any intervention.
Symptoms to Watch For
The most recognizable symptom of placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester. The bleeding can range from light spotting to heavier episodes, and it often happens without any cramping or contractions. Some women with placenta previa don’t experience bleeding at all and only learn about the condition through ultrasound findings.
If you do experience vaginal bleeding at any point during pregnancy, contact your provider right away. While bleeding doesn’t automatically mean something serious is happening, it does need to be evaluated promptly. Your care team will want to determine the source of the bleeding and make sure both you and your baby are safe.
What Increases Your Risk?
Certain factors can make placenta previa more likely. Women who have had a prior cesarean delivery are at higher risk because scar tissue on the uterus can affect where the placenta implants. Carrying multiples, having had previous uterine surgeries, and having had placenta previa in a prior pregnancy can also increase the chances. Smoking during pregnancy is another known risk factor.
How Placenta Previa May Affect Your Delivery Plan
If placenta previa is still present as you approach your due date, a vaginal delivery is typically not safe because the placenta would be in the way of the baby’s exit. In these cases, your provider will plan a cesarean delivery, usually scheduled a few weeks before your due date to reduce the risk of going into labor on your own. This may mean adjusting your birth plan as you approach delivery.
During the weeks leading up to delivery, your provider may recommend modified activity or pelvic rest, which means avoiding intercourse and strenuous exercise. If you’ve experienced bleeding episodes, you might be monitored more closely or even placed on bed rest, depending on the severity.
The good news is that with proper monitoring and planning, the vast majority of women with placenta previa have healthy deliveries and healthy babies. The key is staying consistent with your prenatal appointments so your care team can track the placenta’s position and adjust your birth plan accordingly.
Staying on Top of Your Care
Hearing that your placenta is in an unexpected position can feel alarming, but placenta previa is a well-understood condition that your provider knows how to manage. Follow-up ultrasounds will give your care team the information they need to guide your pregnancy safely. If you have questions between appointments or notice any bleeding, don’t hesitate to call.
If you’re pregnant and looking for attentive, personalized prenatal care, schedule an appointment at Complete Care ObGyn by calling (702) 213-5601 or visiting completecareobgyn.com/request-appointment.
