The placenta is a special organ in a pregnant woman's body that feeds and protects the growing baby. Placenta previa is a condition during pregnancy in which the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix.
The main sign of placenta previa is bright red vaginal bleeding, usually without pain, after the second trimester of pregnancy.
The exact cause of placenta previa is not known, however, the risk factors include history of placenta previa, older maternal age (above 35 years), prior uterine surgeries or abortions, smoking amongst other factors.
The management of placenta previa depends on its severity, gestational age, and the mother's condition. In mild cases or earlier in pregnancy, close monitoring may be sufficient. However, in severe cases or near the due date, a C-section is often recommended to prevent potentially life-threatening bleeding during vaginal delivery.
