29/08/2020
Placenta Praevia: What you need to know
Having a Normal Delivery is a dream that most expectant mothers want to experience. Isn’t it?
Yet this dream is shattered by the presence of a condition called Placenta Praevia, which is the scientific term for a low-lying Placenta. This condition if left unchecked and untreated, may result in the mother requiring a Caesarean delivery. In exceptional cases, the mother may have severe vaginal bleeding, resulting in the need for blood transfusion.
What is Placenta Praevia?
The Placenta carries oxygen and nutrition to the developing foetus during the pregnancy and usually moves around the uterus to accommodate the developing foetus. However, in the second half of the pregnancy, the placenta attaches itself to the top of the womb. In some cases, the Placenta attaches itself to the cervix (opening of the womb) or the lower portion of the uterus. This condition can cause problems if left untreated.
Catch the Signs Early
The presence of a low-lying placenta is detected in the second trimester ultrasound. If the presence of placenta praevia is detected at the 20th week of pregnancy, there is still a good possibility that the condition will resolve on its own, if the expectant mother takes certain precautions. This implies that the expectant mother may still have a vaginal delivery if the condition resolves.
Vaginal bleeding during the second have of the pregnancy is a classic sign of Placenta Praevia. The bleeding may be accompanied by contractions. When placenta praevia is diagnosed early, the doctor can plan for the best treatment outcomes by detecting the extent of disease.
Are you at Risk?
While placenta praevia can affect any expectant mother, some factors increase the risk of having a low-lying uterus. Some of the common risk factors are :
• Previous Surgeries that involve the uterus
• Unusual Position of baby in womb (Transverse or Breech baby)
• Being older than 35
• Having Children from previous pregnancy
• Being pregnant with twins or multiples
Preparing for the Prognosis
If Placenta convers the cervix only partially or pushes against the cervix without covering it, Normal Delivery is still possible, in the absence of other conditions.
However, if the Placenta covers the entire cervix, Caesarean delivery is required as Normal birth endangers the life of both the mother and the child. In some extreme cases, the baby may have to be delivered pre-maturely to protect the mother’s life.
Blood Transfusion may be required as the mother can potentially lose a lot of blood. Expectant mothers with rare blood types need to be especially careful as blood may not be easily available during delivery. If the condition is very bad, the mother’s uterus may be removed to protect the life of the mother.
You are not alone!
Prevailing over Placenta Praevia requires immense teamwork.
Doctors, nurses, midwives, expectant mothers and their families need to come together and play their role overcoming Placenta Praevia for a safe delivery. Expectant mothers need to follow advice given be their medical team to perfection, and their families need to help them implement the conditions by assisting them.
If you know anyone experiencing Placenta Praevia, give them the support that you can to overcome the problem.
Let’s come together to save a Life!
