Placenta Previa

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If you are pregnant, be alert for any vaginal bleeding. Sudden, painless vaginal bleeding may be the only symptom of placenta previa, a placenta that partially or fully covers the cervix.

Call or other emergency services right away if you have severe vaginal bleeding. Severe vaginal bleeding means you are passing blood clots and soaking through your usual pad each hour for 2 or more hours (you should not be using tampons).

Call your doctor now or go to the closest emergency room right away if you have any vaginal bleeding.

If you have had placenta previa

After you have had placenta previa, you may have questions about a future pregnancy. Based on the nature of your condition, your doctor will be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.

In very rare cases, placenta previa causes a stillbirth or newborn death. Should you experience such a loss, allow yourself time to grieve. Expect that your partner, children, and other family members may also be deeply affected. Consider meeting with a support group, reading about the experiences of other women, and talking to friends, a counselor, or a member of the clergy to help you and your family cope with your loss. For more information, see the topic Grief and Grieving.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: February 23, 2010
Medical Review: Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
William Gilbert, MD - Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

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