Placenta previa is when the placenta, which should normally attach to the upper portion of the uterus, is found near the cervix, blocking it partially or completely. It can be dangerous when the mother experiences bleeding, particularly before the due date, or when placenta previa coexists with placenta accreta.

When Is Placenta Previa Dangerous?

The placenta is the organ that develops in your uterus to support the new life growing inside you by supplying oxygen and vital nutrients through the umbilical cord. Usually, it settles in the upper part of your uterus, away from the cervix. In some cases, the placenta is found near the cervix, blocking the baby’s exit partially or completely.

This is called placenta previa, and it can be dangerous depending on its exact location in the later stages of your pregnancy. There’s no specific placenta previa treatment in Thane, but close monitoring, hospitalization, rest, activity restrictions, and a planned delivery can help prevent complications, especially bleeding.

When Can Placenta Previa Be Dangerous?

Here’s when placenta previa can become life-threatening:

When the Mother Experiences Heavy Bleeding

The major risk associated with placenta previa is dangerous bleeding, which can cause significant blood loss, increasing the risk of hemorrhagic shock. Bleeding can occur without any obvious signs. It can be light or become severe.

This may happen in the second trimester. When your uterus starts stretching and growing, the placenta attached to the lower segment could be disrupted. The risk is continuous bleeding, which can cause a sudden drop in maternal blood pressure.

When Placenta Doesn’t Move Away from the Cervix

The placenta might be low-lying in your first trimester, but as your pregnancy progresses, it can move up and settle in the upper segment of the uterus. However, if it remains near the cervix, a C-section may be scheduled at 36-37 weeks of pregnancy.

If the placenta completely blocks the cervical opening, vaginal birth can’t be attempted, as it comes with the risk of severe bleeding when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.

When It Exists With Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Placenta Accreta Spectrum is when the placenta attaches too deeply into your uterine wall or muscles, or even surrounding organs. The risk is higher in women who’ve delivered via a C-section before and have placenta previa in the current pregnancy.

Normally, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall once the baby is delivered. The abnormal attachment can make it difficult to separate it from the uterine wall. Trying to remove it can increase the risk of severe bleeding, blood transfusion, and, in severe cases, hysterectomy to save both lives.

Increased Risk of Premature Delivery

If bleeding occurs before you are near the due date, your gynecologist in Thane may have to make immediate decisions about delivery. Whether or not premature delivery is needed depends on how much blood you are losing and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

If the baby needs to be delivered before 37 weeks of gestation, they could face difficulty breathing, feeding, or maintaining their body temperature, thus requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Sometimes, the doctor may use corticosteroid injections to speed up the baby’s lung maturation before delivery.