Placenta Previa And Its Complications

By watching the following video, one consents that he or she has read, agrees with, and consents to this disclaimer. The viewer also understands that they can rewind/pause the video or view the Babyssentials terms of service to read this entire disclaimer so that they can understand it completely. If one does not agree to this disclaimer, please end this video immediately. The Content is not intended to replace the health care provider-patient relationship, an actual medical examination or consultation or to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


The placenta is a large organ about the size of a liver and it attaches to the wall of a uterus. It is at this point that the mothers blood and the baby’s blood commingle and go right into each other enabling all the nutrients to pass between the mom and the baby. Usually the placenta is located on the uterine wall, but not near the cervix which is the entrance to the uterus. Occasionaly the placenta can get stuck and cover the door of the entrance of the uterus and situate itself on top of the cervix. This condition is called placenta previs. Situations of placenta previa pose great dangers to a pregnancy as the baby will try to force its way through the cervix at the time of labor and will thus cause the placenta to tear. Because there are so many blood vessels centered around the placenta, the tearing of the placenta is extremely dangerous because it can cause catastrophic bleeding and even death to the baby.

When having an ultrasound, it is extremely important to locate exactly where the placenta is located. If it is determined that the pregnant woman does in fact have placenta previa, there may be a number of different recommendations including bed rest as well as to avoid all activities that would stimulate contractions or disrupt the cervix such as sexual intercourse. While every pregnancy is closely watched, cases of placenta previa must be even more critically monitored. If the mother experiences episodes of bleeding during pregnancy it may be required that the pregnant mother be cared for in the hospital.

In almost every case of placenta previa, the baby must be delivered by a cesarean section in order to avoid the potential problem of significant and potentially catastrophic bleeding. Placenta previa is a very serious condition. If you know that you have or suspect that you may have placenta, it is important that you discuss your individual situation with your doctor or health care provider.