Understanding Placenta Previa: Signs and Symptoms

Understanding Placenta Previa: Signs and Symptoms

If you are pregnant, you should be watchful of the following signs or symptoms, so you will know when to see a doctor : vaginal bleeding, prolonged contractions, fever, and chills. The most common cause of placenta previa is a weak or incompetent cervix, but it can also be caused by a number of other factors.

What is placenta previa?

If you are pregnant, it is important to know about the placenta previa. This is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely blocks the opening of the uterus (womb), causing serious complications for both the mother and the baby. There is still much unknown about pre-eclampsia, the most dangerous complication of pregnancy. However, with each day that passes, more and more research is being done on the condition to better understand and treat it.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia are:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• A change in appetite
• A change in vaginal discharge
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

If you or someone you know is experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby, including:

• Severe hypertension
• Pre-eclampsia-related death in pregnant women
• Pre-eclampsia-related birth defects
• NICU admission

The sooner you can identify pre-eclampsia and take the necessary steps to treat it, the better.

If you are worried about your pregnancy, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk for placenta previa. Your doctor can perform an ultrasound to determine if you have the condition and can also recommend ways to reduce your risk.