Why does placenta previa bleed

This causes the area of the placenta over the cervix to bleed. The risk of bleeding is higher if a lot of the placenta covers the cervix. Other complications include:. Breadcrumb Home Conditions and symptoms Pregnancy and postpartum Placenta previa. Placenta previa Placenta previa is when the placenta covers the cervix during pregnancy. Meet our doctors See our locations Make an appointment. Key points about placenta previa Placenta previa is a cause of bleeding late in pregnancy.

This is after about 20 weeks. It causes bleeding because the placenta is close to or covers the cervix. Bleeding with placenta previa is painless. You may need bed rest or early delivery of your baby. What is placenta previa? There are 3 types of placenta previa: Complete placenta previa. The placenta completely covers the cervix. Partial placenta previa. The placenta is partly over the cervix. Marginal placenta previa. The placenta is near the edge of the cervix.

What are the symptoms of placenta previa? When should I contact my doctor? Seek care immediately if: You have severe vaginal bleeding or substantial spotting — a hemorrhage can be life-threatening. You experience pain with vaginal bleeding.

Call your doctor if: You have mild vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. You want to be referred to a specialist. How to make an appointment. The greatest risk of placenta previa is too much bleeding hemorrhage.

Bleeding often happens as the lower part of the uterus thins during the third trimester of pregnancy. This causes the area of the placenta over the cervix to bleed. The risk of bleeding is higher if a lot of the placenta covers the cervix. Other complications include:. Call your healthcare provider about any bleeding you have while pregnant.

Bleeding during pregnancy may not be serious. If the bleeding is moderate to severe, or you have pain, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Placenta previa is a cause of bleeding late in pregnancy. This is after about 20 weeks. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. This can cause bleeding and complications…. Many things can cause breakthrough bleeding, or bleeding outside of your usual period cycle.

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A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Parenthood Pregnancy Placenta Previa. Symptoms associated with placenta previa. Risk factors for developing placenta previa. How is placenta previa diagnosed? Treatment of placenta previa. Complications of placenta previa.

Digital vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between placenta previa and placental abruption. Treatment options vary Treatment depends on a number of factors, including: Whether the placenta previa is complete or partial The exact location of the placenta The amount of blood lost The gestational age of the baby The position of the baby The health of the baby The health of the mother.

Treatment during pregnancy Medical treatment aims to ease the symptoms and prolong the pregnancy. Options may include: Bed rest. Blood transfusion for the mother. Avoiding any activity that triggers uterine contractions or irritates the cervix, such as sexual intercourse or orgasms. Delivery Once the baby is old enough to be delivered, a caesarean section is usually performed.

Where to get help Your doctor Obstetrician Emergency department of your nearest hospital Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. Treatment aims to ease the symptoms and prolong the pregnancy until at least 36 weeks.

Eds R. Berkow, M. Beers, A. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all healthy pregnancy. Related information.