Placenta Previa: Causes, Symptoms & Delivery Options

What is Placenta Previa? Placenta previa is a pregnancy condition where the placenta grows too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix, the opening to the birth canal. This can cause complications during pregnancy and delivery, making early diagnosis and proper care very important. Placenta previa is not very common, affecting about 1 in every 200–500 pregnancies. However, women who conceive through IVF may face a slightly higher risk. At Vardaan IVF, we believe awareness is the first step toward safe motherhood. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for placenta previa helps expectant mothers prepare better for a healthy delivery.

Types & Classification of Placenta Previa

Doctors classify placenta previa based on how much of the cervix (the opening of the womb) is covered by the placenta. This classification is important because it directly affects pregnancy care and the delivery plan.

• Marginal (Low-lying) – the placenta lies near the cervix but does not cover it.
• Partial – the placenta covers a portion of the cervix.
• Complete (Total) – the placenta completely covers the cervix.

Identifying the type early helps doctors reduce risks and ensure a safe birth. While mild cases may resolve on their own, complete previa almost always requires a planned cesarean delivery.

Placenta Previa: Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of placenta previa is not fully known, but it is often linked to changes in the uterus, including scarring or damage from earlier procedures. These are some risks you should be aware of:

• Previous C-section or uterine surgery (D&C, myomectomy)
• Advanced maternal age (35+)
• Multiparity, multiple pregnancy, prior placenta previa
• Smoking, cocaine use
• Assisted reproduction (e.g., IVF)

Women with these risk factors need closer monitoring. Early awareness and regular checkups allow doctors to manage risks effectively and plan a safer pregnancy journey.

Placenta Previa: Symptoms & When to Seek Help

Placenta previa often shows its first signs in the second half of pregnancy. The most common symptom of placenta previa is painless, bright red vaginal bleeding that usually appears after 20 weeks of gestation.

• Vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks (painless, bright red)
• Bleeding may start after intercourse or a medical exam
• Mild abdominal cramping or contractions

Any bleeding in late pregnancy should be treated as urgent. Contact your doctor right away, and if bleeding is heavy, go to the emergency room without delay.

Placenta Previa: Diagnosis & Monitoring

Placenta previa is usually detected during routine ultrasound, often around the 20th week of pregnancy. Early screening helps identify the condition before serious symptoms appear.

• Routine ultrasound at mid-pregnancy (around 20 weeks).
• Transvaginal ultrasound for more accurate results.
• Repeat scans to track placental movement.

In many cases, the placenta gradually shifts upward as the uterus grows. Regular monitoring is important because some cases resolve on their own, while others require careful planning for delivery.

Placenta Previa: Management Strategies

The treatment of placenta previa depends on how far along the pregnancy is, the severity of bleeding, and the mother’s overall health. Care is usually divided into two approaches.

Expectant Management (if under 36 weeks and stable)

Activity modification: bed rest, avoid intercourse, heavy lifting, long standing, and pelvic exams.Hospital or outpatient monitoring depending on stability and bleeding episodes.Corticosteroids may be given to help the baby’s lungs mature if there is a risk of preterm delivery.

Intervention When Indicated

Emergency or scheduled C-section based on gestational age and bleeding severity.=Blood transfusions if heavy bleeding occurs.In cases with placenta accreta spectrum (placenta grows too deeply into the uterus), doctors may plan a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) to control life-threatening bleeding

Placenta Previa: Delivery Options

For most women with placenta previa, a cesarean delivery is the safest choice. The timing and type of delivery depend on how much the placenta covers the cervix and whether bleeding occurs.

• Elective C-section – usually planned around 36–37 weeks if the mother and baby are stable.
• Emergency C-section – required at any stage of pregnancy if severe bleeding starts.
• Vaginal delivery (rare) – may be considered only in minor or low-lying placenta previa under strict monitoring by an experienced medical team.

With careful planning and the right medical support, most women with placenta previa can deliver safely and reduce risks for both mother and baby.

Placenta Previa: Complications & Prognosis

Placenta previa can create serious challenges for the mother. The main concern is heavy bleeding during pregnancy or delivery, which may sometimes require advanced medical care.

• Heavy bleeding
• Hemorrhagic shock
• Anemia
• Hysterectomy
• ICU admission
• Rarely, maternal death

For the baby, placenta previa can lead to complications if delivery happens too early. These risks are mainly related to prematurity and restricted growth.

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Respiratory distress
• Growth restriction
• Stillbirth

The good news is that many cases diagnosed early improve as the pregnancy progresses, since the placenta often moves upward naturally.

Placenta Previa: Prevention & Lifestyle Recommendations

Placenta previa cannot always be prevented, but certain lifestyle choices and medical care can lower the risks. Staying cautious is especially important for women with high-risk pregnancies, including those conceived through IVF.

• Avoid smoking and recreational drug use.
• Regular prenatal checkups for early detection.
• Timely ultrasound screening, especially in high-risk or IVF pregnancies.

Early medical attention and healthy habits make a big difference. By following these steps, mothers can reduce complications and ensure better safety during pregnancy.

Relevance to IVF Patients & Vardaan IVF’s Approach

Women who conceive through IVF have a slightly higher chance of developing placenta previa, which makes regular monitoring even more important. Awareness and timely medical care ensure safer outcomes for both mother and baby.

• Proactive prenatal monitoring with advanced ultrasound scans.
• Personalized risk assessment for every IVF patient.
• Expert obstetric care to handle complications with confidence.

At Vardaan IVF, many women with placenta previa have safely delivered under close guidance. With dedicated support, IVF mothers can feel reassured throughout their pregnancy journey.

Final Thoughts

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, often leading to painless bleeding in the second half of pregnancy. While it may sound concerning, timely diagnosis through ultrasound and proper management can help ensure safe outcomes such as lifestyle precautions or planned cesarean delivery.With attentive prenatal care and the right medical support, most women and babies do well. At Vardaan IVF, our team provides specialized monitoring and personalized care, especially for IVF pregnancies. If you are seeking guidance for placenta previa or related pregnancy concerns, contact Vardaan IVF for expert support and peace of mind.

FAQs on Placenta Previa

Here are some of the most common questions women ask about placenta previa.

Can Placenta Previa Resolve on Its Own?

Yes. In up to 90% of early cases where the placenta is “low-lying,” it often moves upward as the uterus grows, and the condition resolves before delivery. This means many women diagnosed in the second trimester go on to have normal pregnancies without further complications.

Is Vaginal Birth Possible With Placenta Previa?

Rarely. Vaginal birth may be possible only if the placenta is at least 2 cm away from the cervix opening, and even then, it requires strict monitoring by specialists. In most cases, doctors recommend a cesarean delivery to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding and keep both mother and baby safe.

What Should I Do If I See Bleeding?

Call your doctor immediately. Any vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is considered serious, and heavy bleeding needs emergency medical care. Do not wait to see if it stops on its own—timely medical attention can protect both you and your baby.

Does Placenta Previa Affect The Baby?

Yes, it can. Placenta previa increases the chances of preterm birth, low birth weight, and the need for NICU care. With good medical management, however, most babies are delivered safely and grow normally.

Can I Prevent Placenta Previa?

No, placenta previa cannot be fully prevented. But avoiding smoking, recreational drug use, and attending regular prenatal checkups can lower complications and improve outcomes, especially for high-risk or IVF pregnancies.