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Placenta Previa: The Exact Cause of Placenta Previa Is Unknown

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix during pregnancy. Risk factors include previous c-sections, uterine surgery, smoking, cocaine use, and advanced maternal age. The main sign is bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy. Placenta previa is diagnosed using ultrasound. Abruptio placenta occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, cocaine use, and abdominal trauma. Signs include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and back pain. Diagnosis involves physical exam and ultrasound.

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118 views3 pages

Placenta Previa: The Exact Cause of Placenta Previa Is Unknown

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix during pregnancy. Risk factors include previous c-sections, uterine surgery, smoking, cocaine use, and advanced maternal age. The main sign is bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy. Placenta previa is diagnosed using ultrasound. Abruptio placenta occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, cocaine use, and abdominal trauma. Signs include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and back pain. Diagnosis involves physical exam and ultrasound.

Uploaded by

Larr Sumalpong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Placenta Previa

Definition: occurs when a baby's placenta partially or totally covers the mother's cervix — the
outlet for the uterus

Risk Factors:

 Have had a baby


 Have scars on the uterus, such as from previous surgery, including cesarean deliveries, uterine
fibroid removal, and dilation and curettage
 Had placenta previa with a previous pregnancy
 Are carrying more than one fetus
 Are age 35 or older
 Are of a race other than white
 Smoke
 Use cocaine

Causes:

The exact cause of placenta previa is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms:

Bright red vaginal bleeding without pain during the second half of pregnancy

Diagnostic Test/Examination:

Placenta previa is diagnosed through ultrasound, either during a routine prenatal appointment or
after an episode of vaginal bleeding

Management:

Prevention:
Abruptio Placenta

Definition: occurs when the placenta partly or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus
before delivery.

Risk Factors:

 Placental abruption in a previous pregnancy that wasn't caused by abdominal trauma


 Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
 Hypertension-related problems during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome or
eclampsia
 A fall or other type of blow to the abdomen
 Smoking
 Cocaine use during pregnancy
 Early rupture of membranes, which causes leaking amniotic fluid before the end of pregnancy
 Infection inside of the uterus during pregnancy (chorioamnionitis)
 Being older, especially older than 40

Causes:

The cause of placental abruption is often unknown. Possible causes include trauma or injury to
the abdomen

Signs and Symptoms:

 Vaginal bleeding, although there might not be any


 Abdominal pain
 Back pain
 Uterine tenderness or rigidity
 Uterine contractions, often coming one right after another

Diagnostic Test/Examination:

A physical exam is done to check for uterine tenderness or rigidity.

To help identify possible sources of vaginal bleeding, the provider will likely recommend blood
and urine tests and ultrasound.
Management:

Prevention:

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