Why is placenta previa a concern?
1 Answer
Placenta previa can cause extreme blood loss in the mother and can potentially suffocate the fetus.
Explanation:
The placenta is an organ that develops in pregnant women to provide nutrients and oxygen to a developing fetus. Placenta previa is a condition where part of the placenta covers the cervix opening, with three different types:
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Complete Previa: the cervical opening is completely covered by the placenta
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Partial Previa: a portion of the cervix is covered by the placenta
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Marginal Previa: the placenta extends just to the edge of the cervix
Placenta previa causes extreme blood loss during childbirth, as the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and placenta previa can also suffocate the fetus.
If you experience symptoms of placenta previa like painless blood loss during pregnancy, or suspect you have placenta previa, you should talk to your doctor right away. In most cases, he/she will perform a Caesarean section, although placenta previa may go away on its own as well.
