Placenta praevia – Pregnancy

Placenta praevia

When we talk about placenta praevia during pregnancy, we mean the position of the placenta in the uterus in relation to the fetus.

Most of the time, the placenta is located at the bottom of the uterus or on its side walls, so it does not create a problem during childbirth, since it is not in the “path” of the fetus to exit.
However, there are cases where the placenta is located low in the uterus, i.e. close to the cervix to the point of partially or completely blocking it. Then it’s called a placenta praevia and the only way to give birth is by caesarean section.
In the other cases where the placenta is close to the cervix but not obstructing it, a normal delivery can theoretically be attempted, but this is individualized on a case-by-case basis.
The causes of placenta praevia are the history of previous caesarean section, previous curettage, multiple pregnancy, etc.

The diagnosis is now easily made from the beginning of pregnancy with ultrasound control. In the event of a diagnosis of a low-adherence or even placenta praevia, more frequent follow-up is recommended. In many cases even by the third trimester, as pregnancy progresses and the enlargement of the uterus (development of the lower part), the placenta “moves” upwards and away from the cervix, thus reducing the risk of bleeding.

The symptom that never goes unnoticed is painless vaginal bleeding. The expectant mother with known placenta praevia should always consult her gynecologist urgently and treatment will be adjusted according to the severity of bleeding and gestational age.