Placenta previa

Updated: 2024-05-14

Description

A condition in which the placenta completely or partially covers the opening of the uterus.

Overview

With placenta previa, an organ called the placenta that forms during pregnancy attaches low in the uterus. This can cause serious bleeding in a pregnant person before, during or after delivery.

Symptoms

Placenta previa symptoms can include bright red bleeding from the vagina, often without pain. The bleeding happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It may happen with contractions of the uterus that cause pain.

Treatments

Treatment for placenta previa with bleeding involves hospital care. An emergency C-section may be done. If there is no bleeding, lifestyle changes and a planned C-section may be needed. Sometimes, placenta previa goes away on its own.