Placenta praevia is a pregnancy complication where the placenta lies unusually low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix, the opening to the birth canal. This condition can lead to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, making it a high-risk condition that requires expert monitoring and care.
In a normal pregnancy, the placenta develops higher in the uterus. However, in placenta praevia, its low placement can cause serious complications if not diagnosed and managed promptly.
The exact cause of placenta praevia is not always known, but several factors may increase the risk:
Understanding the causes of placenta praevia helps in identifying women at higher risk and ensuring timely screening.
The most common symptom of placenta praevia is painless vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester. Other signs include:
If you notice any of these symptoms during pregnancy, seek immediate medical attention from a preeclampsia specialist or an experienced obstetrician.
If left untreated, placenta praevia can lead to several complications:
Specialised hospitals in Bangalore, like SPARSH Hospital, have advanced facilities for managing placenta praevia complications with a focus on maternal and fetal safety.
Placenta praevia is usually diagnosed through an ultrasound scan during routine prenatal checkups. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may be required for a clearer view. The diagnosis is typically made in the second trimester, but follow-up scans are essential as the placenta may move upwards as pregnancy progresses.
Management of placenta praevia depends on factors like the severity of bleeding, gestational age, and the extent of cervical coverage.
Conservative management may include:
Hospital-based management may include:
There is no medication for placenta praevia that can reposition the placenta, but treatment focuses on preventing complications and ensuring a safe delivery.
Common treatment approaches include:
When necessary, placenta praevia surgery (C-section) is performed in a controlled, well-equipped hospital environment to protect both mother and baby.
While placenta praevia cannot always be prevented, certain measures can reduce risk:
SPARSH Hospital is the best obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Bangalore, providing comprehensive care for placenta praevia, from diagnosis to delivery. With the best gynecologist in Bangalore and advanced facilities, we ensure round-the-clock monitoring, safe delivery options, and personalised patient care.
Our approach includes:
Placenta praevia is a condition where the placenta lies low in the uterus and covers the cervix, potentially causing complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is the main symptom. Some women may also experience preterm contractions or abnormal fetal position.
It is usually diagnosed through ultrasound scans during pregnancy checkups.
While the placenta cannot be moved, careful monitoring and activity restrictions can help manage the condition until delivery.
In most cases, a cesarean section is recommended to prevent complications.
SPARSH Hospital provides advanced management of placenta praevia with a skilled obstetrics and gynecology team, ensuring the highest safety for both mother and baby.