Placenta previa: causes, symptoms and treatment of this pathology in pregnant women
Placenta previa is a pathological condition that occurs when, during pregnancy, a woman's placenta inserts itself too low into the uterus, covering part or all of the neck. If in some cases the placenta - which as we know is the organ that connects the fetus to the mother to provide it with nourishment and oxygen - tends to rise as the volume increases, in rarer cases it remains in the lower part. Videos about pregnant ultrasound scans that every mother should know: what they are and when to do them.
The presence of the placenta at the level of the lower uterine segment can represent an obstacle and therefore a risk factor when the fetus will have to pass the uterine orifice, leading to complications in the moment of delivery. Attention, however: placenta previa is not always. when it is diagnosed, it needs immediate action. Let's find out all there is to know about it: symptoms, causes, classifications, diagnosis, symptoms and prevention.
See also
From the low to the marginal placenta: the different types
If, to generalize, we have defined placenta previa as a placenta that is located in the lower uterine cavity, near the cervix, it will actually be necessary to differentiate different types based on the precise location. In fact, we can speak of "total placenta previa" when the placenta completely covers the internal uterine orifice, thus creating a real obstacle to the fetus when it has to exit the birth canal.
If, on the other hand, the placenta is located at the level of the uterine orifice without however obstructing it completely, it will be a "partial placenta previa". . Finally, by "low placenta" we mean that which is located at a distance of less than 2 centimeters from the orifice, without touching it or obstructing it.
As anticipated, the low placenta is quite common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but then tends - with the increase in size - to rise again. When this does not happen, the aforementioned pathological conditions can occur.
Causes of placenta previa
According to statistics, placenta previa occurs in 0.28% of single pregnancies and 0.39% of twins. Among the causes that determine it are a previous birth with caesarean section or, in general, a multiparity; anomalies of the uterus; a maternity that arrives in old age; a previous revision of the uterine cavity, such as in the case of abortion.
Finally - and this is certainly important for prevention purposes - placenta previa is definitely favored by the habit of smoking.
Placenta previa: symptoms from the first weeks of pregnancy to childbirth
The low placenta is quite common in the first trimester of pregnancy and therefore does not involve particular symptoms, especially in the first weeks. If it remains low afterwards, the main accompanying symptom is profuse blood loss in the third trimester of pregnancy.
This bleeding is not due to fetal or mother's suffering (although in some cases it is accompanied by contractions of the uterus), but occurs because the cervical canal - having to shorten and modify due to the presence of the placenta at the level of the internal uterine orifice - can lead to detachment of the placental disc, which causes bright red blood loss.
Diagnosis of placenta previa
The diagnosis of placenta previa is made through a specific ultrasound: transvaginal pelvic ultrasound. If already in the first trimester the gynecologist has found the presence of a low placenta, it is good to continue to monitor it week by week, for the whole period of pregnancy.
At each monitoring it will be important to measure the exact distance of the placenta from the internal uterine orifice, so as to be able to diagnose its type and related risks, and act accordingly for the good of the baby.
Risks of placenta previa, treatment and prevention
If the placenta previa is located less than 1 centimeter from the internal uterine orifice, a caesarean delivery will be required. Instead, you can proceed vaginally if the lower placenta is more than 2 centimeters, while between 1 and 2 it will be necessary to evaluate case by case. With your doctor it will also be advisable to establish a scheduled delivery in order to avoid the onset of bleeding.
If this condition is diagnosed, however asymptomatic, it is important to continue to monitor it. In case of contractions or losses you must immediately contact your doctor to plan the birth according to the individual situations.
You can prevent the onset of placenta previa first of all by stopping smoking: smoking can lead to alterations in the placenta and numerous complications during childbirth. Treating any uterine abnormalities, when possible, could also be a prevention system.
