Symptoms of placenta previa

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Placenta Previa is the situation in which the placenta fully or slightly gets over the internal os of the cervix. It is a serious risk factor in postpartum hemorrhage and can cause morbidity and mortality of both the mother and neonate. This situation does not allow a safe vaginal delivery, and if the mother has symptoms of placenta Previa, it requires the delivery of the neonate to be via cesarean delivery.

Placenta Previa occurs in about 1 in every 200 pregnant women. The risk of symptoms of placenta Previa increases with age, smoking, and having a previous cesarean delivery. It is more common in those women who have had pregnancies several times. The severity of placenta Previa ranges from mild to severe.

In severe cases of placenta Previa, the placenta may cover the entire cervix, making it more difficult and almost impossible for the baby to pass through the birth canal. There is a high risk of severe bleeding, placenta accreta, and preterm birth in women who have developed placenta previa.

If the mother has symptoms of low-lying placenta at 32 weeks, scan cesarean delivery is advised.

In This Article

Types of Placenta Previa

There are three types of Placenta Previa:

1. Marginal placenta Previa: The placenta gets placed at the edge of the cervix. It touches the cervix but does not cover it. This type is more likely to resolve on its own before your baby’s due date. Also called low-lying placenta symptoms.
2. Partial placenta Previa: In this condition, the placenta partially covers the cervix.
3. Complete or total placenta Previa: In this, the placenta completely covers the cervix. It blocks the vagina. This type of placenta Previa is less likely to correct on its own.

Causes

The exact cause of developing placenta Previa is unknown. However, some factors can contribute to the development of placenta previa, including:

The placenta Previa is more common in women who have had a previous cesarean delivery. This is because the scar tissue from the caesarean delivery makes it difficult for the placenta to get attached to the upper part of the uterus.
Women with a uterine abnormality, such as a septum or a fibroid, are more likely to have an increased risk of placenta Previa. This is because abnormalities create a pocket in the uterus where the placenta can attach.
Multiple pregnancies are also a reason associated with an increased risk of placenta Previa and that’s because the placentas of multiple babies often compete for space in the uterus, which can lead to low-lying placenta symptoms.
Late maternity is also a major risk factor for placenta Previa. This is because the lining of the uterus becomes thinner with the advancing age of women, which makes it more likely for the placenta to attach low and low-lying placenta symptoms can be seen there.
Smoking and cocaine use can damage the lining of your uterus, and it can lead to placenta Previa.

Placenta Previa Signs and Symptoms

It is important to note that not all women with this condition will experience placenta Previa signs and symptoms. Some women may have no symptoms at all until they go into labour.

1. Bright red vaginal bleeding:

This is the most common symptom of placenta Previa and is usually painless.
The bleeding can start suddenly or gradually, and it can be light or heavy. It may come up with contractions, or it may start without any warning.

The bleeding is a bright red color because the blood is fresh and has not had time to clot.
The bleeding occurs because the placenta comes on the lower side of the uterus and is near or covering the cervix. At the time when the cervix starts to dilate in preparation for labor, the placenta can tear or bleed.

Some tips to avoid this:

Get regular prenatal management so that your doctor will be able to monitor your pregnancy, identify placenta Previa signs and symptoms, and take necessary measures if there are any risk factors for placenta Previa.
Avoid strenuous activity during pregnancy, like lifting heavy objects, exercising vigorously, and having sex.
Get as much rest as possible. This will help your body to heal and recover from any bleeding that may occur.
Drink plenty of fluids every day. That will help you to keep your blood volume up and will save you from dehydration.
Have a healthy diet. This will help to keep your blood levels healthy, and it will provide prevention from anemia.
Take iron supplements if necessary with a doctor's consultation because anaemia can make you more likely to bleed.

2. Mild cramps or contractions in the abdomen, belly, or back:

This is another common thing in symptoms of placenta Previa. The cramping is usually not that severe and may not be felt by all women.

The cramping is caused because the placenta puts pressure on the cervix and the muscles of the uterus.

Some tips to avoid these cramps and contractions:

3. Pressure in your lower back:

This is a less common symptom of placenta Previa. It is caused by the weight of the baby putting pressure on the placenta.

The pressure may be felt in the area of the lower back, sacrum, or hips. It may be constant and recurrent. It may be mild or severe. It can be accompanied by bleeding or other symptoms.

If the pressure becomes severe or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, you should seek medical attention immediately.

some tips to relieve pressure in your lower back during pregnancy:

Do regular exercise.
Avoid sitting and standing for a long time, and keep your body moving.
Use a supportive pillow behind your back while sitting or lying down.
Take a bath with warm water.
Stretching will also help to free up your back muscles.
Meet a physical therapist for specific exercises and yoga positions to help relieve pressure in your lower back.

4. Light spotting:

This is a very less common symptom of placenta Previa. It is usually not a cause for concern, but important to tell your doctor about it.

The spotting may be pink, brown, or red. If the spotting becomes heavier or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, you need to get medical help.

some tips to prevent light spotting in the placenta Previa:

5. Painful intercourse:

This is a less common symptom of placenta Previa. It is caused by the cervix pressing on the placenta.

some tips to relieve painful intercourse during pregnancy:

Use a comfortable position that does not put pressure on your cervix.
Use a lubricant, which will help to reduce friction.
Stop immediately when you experience unbearable pain.
Talk to your doctor about other options, such as pelvic rest.
Avoid intercourse if possible.

Complications

If the mother has a symptom of a low-lying placenta at 32 weeks scan, 90% of the placenta would have moved away from the cervix, but in 10% of cases, the placenta remains low, so cesarean delivery is advised.
Premature birth: Placenta Previa can increase the risk of preterm birth that is before 37 weeks, and the reason could be a low-lying placenta at 32 weeks.
Placental abruption: The condition where the placenta separates is called placental abruption from the wall of the uterus before delivery. This can put both the mother and the baby at life-threatening risk.
Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta is a condition in which the placenta grows too deeply into the wall of the uterus. which makes it difficult or impossible to deliver the baby from the birth canal.
Foetal distress: Foetal distress occurs when the baby is not getting enough oxygen. This can be caused by placenta Previa or other complications of pregnancy.
Early birth: If you’re bleeding severely, your healthcare provider may perform an emergency C-section before your baby is a full term that is 40 weeks.
Blood loss: Losing too much blood can cause anemia, low blood pressure, pale skin, or shortness of breath.