7 Ways To Manage Placenta Previa Complications

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix or part of the cervix, making vaginal delivery difficult or impossible. This condition affects about 0.5% to 1% of all pregnancies and is more common in women who have had previous cesarean deliveries, multiple pregnancies or are older than 35 years.

Placenta previa can cause serious complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Read on to know how to manage placenta previa complications.

Complications Of Placenta Previa

Placenta previa can cause the following complications:

Bleeding

Bleeding is one of the most common complications of placenta previa. This can occur anytime during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum. Heavy bleeding can lead to maternal shock and fetal distress, and in some cases, may require an emergency cesarean delivery.

Premature delivery

Placenta previa can cause premature delivery due to bleeding or other complications.

Fetal distress

Placenta previa can cause fetal distress due to decreased blood flow to the baby.

Cesarean delivery

Most women with placenta previa require a cesarean delivery, which carries its own risks and complications.

Postpartum haemorrhage

Placenta previa can increase the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.

7 Ways To Manage Placenta Previa Complications

The management of placenta previa complications depends on the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the fetus. Some of the options for the management of placenta previa complications are:

1. Bed rest

If a woman is diagnosed with placenta previa, she may be advised to go on bed rest to reduce the risk of bleeding. She may need to avoid sexual intercourse, physical activity, and lifting heavy objects.

2. Hospitalisation

Women with placenta previa may need to be hospitalised to monitor their condition and to receive blood transfusions if necessary.

3. Cesarean delivery

Most women with placenta previa require a cesarean delivery. The timing of the cesarean delivery depends on the severity of the bleeding and the gestational age of the fetus. If the bleeding is severe, an emergency cesarean delivery may be necessary. If the bleeding is mild and the fetus is not in distress, the cesarean delivery may be scheduled closer to the due date.

4. Blood transfusion

If a woman experiences heavy bleeding, she may need a blood transfusion to replace the lost blood. This is especially important if the bleeding occurs during delivery or postpartum.

5. Corticosteroids

If a woman delivers prematurely, she may need corticosteroids to help the fetus’s lungs mature. It is best to give corticosteroids between 24 hours and 1 week after your baby is born.

6. Hysterectomy

In rare cases, a woman with placenta previa may need a hysterectomy if bleeding cannot be controlled and other treatments have failed.

7. Neonatal care

If a baby is born prematurely due to placenta previa complications, he or she may need neonatal care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Prevention of Placenta Previa Complications

While placenta previa cannot be prevented, there are some steps a woman can take to reduce the risk of complications:

Prenatal care

Regular prenatal care can help detect placenta previa early and monitor the condition throughout pregnancy.

Avoidance of risk factors

Women with placenta previa should avoid risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, which can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications.

Cesarean delivery

Women who have had previous cesarean deliveries may be at higher risk for placenta previa and should discuss with their doctor about the option of a planned cesarean delivery to reduce the risk of complications.

Avoidance of physical exertion

Women with placenta previa should avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting, and sexual activity to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Monitoring for symptoms

Women with placenta previa should be aware of the signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping, and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

The management of placenta previa complications depends on the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the fetus. Most women with placenta previa require a cesarean delivery, and some may need blood transfusions or other medical treatments.

While placenta previa cannot be prevented, women can take steps to reduce the risk of complications, such as regular prenatal care, avoiding risk factors, and monitoring for symptoms.

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