| 25 May, 2013 >> Antenatal >> All About Pregnancy >> Placenta Praevia
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Antenatal - All About Pregnancy
Placenta Praevia
The term Placenta Praevia refers to a placenta that lies low down on the inside of the uterus rather than implanting in the upper portion.
It can be categorised into four types:
1. COMPLETE.
2 . PARTIAL: which can become problematic as dilation occurs.
3. MARGINAL: when the placenta just reaches the opening but does not cover it.
4. LOW-LYING: where the placenta extends to the lower segment, but does not reach the opening.
How often does it happen?
Placenta Praevia complicates approximately 0.3-0.5 % of pregnancies. Studies have found the risk factors to be: History of prior caesarean section, Infertility treatment, Termination of pregnancy, Uterine surgery, Smoking, Cocaine use, Multiple pregnancies.
Why does it happen?
It is unclear why some placentas implant in the lower uterine segment rather than the top, but as a pregnancy progresses, 90 % will move away from the cervix and out of the lower uterine segment.
How would you know?
Painless bleeding in the second or third trimester, and it can also lead to baby lying in an unusual position ie. sideways.
What does it mean?
A Consultant Obstetrician will decide whether labour is supported and encouraged, or if a caesarean section is safest option.
Eleanor Copp
Midwife
www.greatvine.com/eleanor-copp
0906 207 2680
For further help and advice, you can contact Eleanor direct through Greatvine. Calls cost £1.02/minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary
It can be categorised into four types:
1. COMPLETE.
2 . PARTIAL: which can become problematic as dilation occurs.
3. MARGINAL: when the placenta just reaches the opening but does not cover it.
4. LOW-LYING: where the placenta extends to the lower segment, but does not reach the opening.
How often does it happen?
Placenta Praevia complicates approximately 0.3-0.5 % of pregnancies. Studies have found the risk factors to be: History of prior caesarean section, Infertility treatment, Termination of pregnancy, Uterine surgery, Smoking, Cocaine use, Multiple pregnancies.
Why does it happen?
It is unclear why some placentas implant in the lower uterine segment rather than the top, but as a pregnancy progresses, 90 % will move away from the cervix and out of the lower uterine segment.
How would you know?
Painless bleeding in the second or third trimester, and it can also lead to baby lying in an unusual position ie. sideways.
What does it mean?
A Consultant Obstetrician will decide whether labour is supported and encouraged, or if a caesarean section is safest option.
Eleanor Copp
Midwife
www.greatvine.com/eleanor-copp
0906 207 2680
For further help and advice, you can contact Eleanor direct through Greatvine. Calls cost £1.02/minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary
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