Placenta Previa

Placenta previa should be considered in all patients with vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, and an ultrasound should be obtained before an invasive pelvic examination is performed.

Causes

• Various factors that may cause Placenta Previa such as cesarean delivery, Multiparity, Advanced maternal age, Multiple gestations, Prior induced abortion, Smoking.
• Other causes include digital exam, abruption such as pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, cocaine use, etc and other causes of trauma include postcoital trauma.

Symptoms

• Vaginal bleeding, often sudden, painless, and profuse

Signs

• Vaginal bleeding

Treatment

• Treatment for placenta previa may include blood transfusions and Caesarean delivery. But the treatment depend on a various factors, including: the amount of vaginal bleeding, whether the bleeding has stopped, the gestational age of your baby, your health, your baby's health, the position of the placenta and the baby.
• Other treatment for Placenta Previa is bed rest. The rules for bed rest depend on your individual situation. You may need to lie in bed, only sitting and standing when necessary. In which, you'll need to avoid sexual intercourse, exercise and vaginal exams, which may lead to bleeding. You'll also want to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, because these medications may contribute to bleeding. And you'll need to seek emergency medical attention if vaginal bleeding starts.