If you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, you may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the opening of the cervix, making vaginal delivery impossible. Complete placenta previa is the most severe form of the condition, in which the placenta completely covers the cervical opening.
If you have complete placenta previa, you will need to have a cesarean section delivery. This is because attempting a vaginal delivery can cause severe bleeding, which can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and safe. In some cases, complete placenta previa can resolve on its own as the uterus grows and the placenta moves away from the cervical opening. However, this is rare, and most women with complete placenta previa will require a cesarean section delivery.
Understanding Complete Placenta Previa
If you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, it means that the placenta is covering the entire cervix, which is the opening to the uterus. This condition can lead to serious complications during pregnancy and delivery, and it is important to understand what to expect.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of complete placenta previa is painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This bleeding can be heavy and may require immediate medical attention. Other symptoms may include contractions, pelvic pressure, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Complete placenta previa is usually diagnosed during a routine ultrasound scan. If your doctor suspects that you have placenta previa, they may recommend additional tests, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
If you have complete placenta previa, your doctor will likely recommend that you have a cesarean delivery (C-section) to reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications. Our C-Section recovery article may be helpful. In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for bed rest or other treatments to manage your symptoms.
Risks and Complications
Complete placenta previa can increase the risk of serious complications for both you and your baby. These may include:
- Heavy bleeding during pregnancy or delivery
- Preterm labour
- Placenta accreta, which is when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall
- Low birth weight or other fetal growth problems
- Infection
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, you may need to be monitored closely throughout your pregnancy and delivery to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Potential Risks and Complications
If you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, it is important to understand the potential risks and complications that may arise during your pregnancy. These risks can affect both you and your baby, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can take the necessary precautions.
Maternal Risks
Women with complete placenta previa are at an increased risk of experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. This is because the placenta is located near or over the cervix, which can cause it to tear during labour or delivery. If you experience heavy bleeding, you should seek medical attention immediately.
In addition to heavy bleeding, women with complete placenta previa may also be at an increased risk of developing other complications such as placenta accreta, which occurs when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. This can make it difficult to remove the placenta after delivery and may require a hysterectomy.
Fetal Risks
Babies born to women with complete placenta previa may be at an increased risk of experiencing complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and respiratory distress syndrome. This is because the placenta may not be able to provide the baby with enough oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy.
In addition, if the baby is delivered vaginally, there is a risk of the baby experiencing trauma during delivery due to the tearing of the placenta. For this reason, most women with complete placenta previa will require a cesarean section delivery.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and minimize the risks associated with complete placenta previa. Your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest, close monitoring, and other precautions to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby.
Management and Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, your healthcare provider will discuss management and treatment options with you. The goal is to ensure the safety of you and your baby throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and delivery.
Expectant Management
Expectant management involves close monitoring of your condition without any medical interventions or surgical procedures. Your healthcare provider will monitor you and your baby’s health through regular checkups and ultrasounds. You may need to limit your physical activity and avoid sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Medical Interventions
In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary to manage complete placenta previa. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help control bleeding or to prevent preterm labour. You may also receive steroid injections to help your baby’s lungs mature in case of premature delivery.
Surgical Procedures
If you experience heavy bleeding or if your baby’s health is at risk, your healthcare provider may recommend a surgical procedure. The most common procedure for complete placenta previa is a cesarean delivery. This involves delivering your baby through a surgical incision in your abdomen and uterus. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary to stop severe bleeding.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for management and treatment of complete placenta previa. With proper care, most women with this condition deliver healthy babies.
Delivery Planning and Considerations
If you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a delivery plan. This plan will take into account the severity of your condition, the gestational age of your baby, and your own health.
Timing of Delivery
Delivery timing is a critical factor in the management of complete placenta previa. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely and may recommend delivery as early as 36-37 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition and the health of your baby. In some cases, if you experience heavy bleeding or other complications, delivery may need to be performed earlier.
Mode of Delivery
In most cases of complete placenta previa, a cesarean delivery is necessary to avoid the risk of severe bleeding. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery with you and help you make an informed decision. In some cases, if your condition is mild and your baby is in a good position, a vaginal delivery may be possible.
Postpartum Care
After delivery, you will need to stay in the hospital for several days to monitor your condition. You may receive blood transfusions or other treatments to manage any bleeding or complications. Your healthcare provider will also monitor your baby closely to ensure that they are healthy and developing normally.
In conclusion, if you have been diagnosed with complete placenta previa, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a delivery plan that is right for you. Here is an animation to help you understand what this looks like in utero. By following your provider’s recommendations and getting the care you need, you can help ensure a safe and healthy delivery for you and your baby.
