Top Placenta complications and how to overcome them
The position of the placenta is one of the things that pregnant women stress about, as it may affect the wellbeing of her pregnancy and birth. There are some common placenta complications that may affect pregnancy and birth, read all about them in this article.
Placenta complications
The normal position of the placenta is when it is implanted in the top of the uterus. When the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus, covering the cervix partially or completely, this is known as Placenta previa, where the placenta is anterior to the fetus.
Types of Placenta Previa
1- Placenta centralis
In this case, the Placenta is implanted at the bottom of the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix.
2- Partial placenta previa
Here the placenta covers only part of the cervix.
3- Marginal placenta previa
The placenta is near the cervix but not blocking it.
4- Lower implantation
The placenta is planted in the lower part of the uterus, not covering the uterus. This is the only case where a vaginal delivery may be attempted. In all previous types, a c-section is the only option.
Risk factors for placenta complications
1- The mother’s age
As these cases are more common in mothers who are 35 or older.
2- Repeated pregnancies
Complications may happen after the sixth pregnancy.
3- Lower implantation of the embryo
4- Multiple pregnancies
5- Previous C-sections
6- Uterine Fibroids
7- Smoking
8- Recurrent miscarriage
9- Previous experience with placenta-related complications.
Placenta positioning diagnosis
The position of the placenta can be detected during the second trimester through an ultrasound test. It can’t be detected earlier due to the small size of the uterus before the 20th week of pregnancy.
In case you are diagnosed with placenta previa you need to avoid the following:
- Intercourse
- Carrying heavy things
- Exercising
- Getting a vaginal exam
- Standing up for a long time
Birth
In the case of placenta previa, the mom is given an injection that accelerates the growth of the lungs, to ensure the baby is born healthy in case of preterm labor before the 36th week. Often doctors decide to do a c-section if the mom and the baby are in good shape even before the end of term.
