Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is blocking the lower part of the uterus. It particularly covers the opening in the mother's cervix, thus potentially causing severe bleeding problems and distress during the delivery process as well as the potential to change how the delivery will take place.
This is a serious problem that can cause damage to a child and potentially to the mother. The placenta provides oxygen to the unborn child and can stop working if not positioned properly. The child may be at risk of not getting enough oxygen and therefore could develop severe growth problems.
This condition is more likely to develop in women who have given birth in the past. Women who are older in age or are carrying more than one fetus may also be at risk of placenta previa as the body may not have enough room or be healthy enough to handle a pregnancy.
The greatest concern among placenta previa symptoms is that the mother will be at risk of requiring a cesarean section when delivering the child. This surgical procedure can be dangerous to the mother and could result in potential damage to the child if not handled properly. This may also take place at any point during the second or third trimester in the pregnancy, thus requiring quick action to be taken as soon as possible.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is one of the most noteworthy placenta previa symptoms that women can develop. This will come about at the start of the second trimester in a woman's pregnancy and can start without warning. The bleeding is painless and is bright red in color, thus making it very visible on most fabrics.
The bleeding can be light or heavy and can occur at any time within the month. The bleeding will also stop on its own and does not have to be treated in most cases. However, it almost always returns at a later point in the pregnancy. A woman who experiences this bleeding for days on end may need to talk with a doctor for help.
There may be occasions where severe bleeding starts and is persistent regardless of the protection the woman uses. This could be a sign that the baby needs to be delivered through a cesarean section.
The bleeding can also take place during the actual birthing process. This could possibly harm the child as it may struggle to receive the oxygen it requires due to the bleeding being so persistent.
Vaginal bleeding may also continue well after the birthing process is complete. The mother may stop bleeding after a few hours but the intensity of the flow may cause the mother to suffer from an infection or even require a transfusion to stay healthy.
Premature Birth
Premature birth is a threat that women with placenta previa symptoms may end up bearing. This problem will cause the woman to give birth well before the term is over. The child may not be fully developed and will require extensive observation and care. When paired with the possibility to have a cesarean section to deliver the child, the risk to the child's body will become dramatically high.
Contractions
Contractions can also develop among placenta previa symptoms. Contractions can start to develop well before the mother is actually going to give birth. These contractions can be harmful and may impose undue stress upon the unborn child.
A mother who suffers from placenta previa symptoms must be in touch with a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may inspect the unborn child and determine what further actions need to be taken.
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