Placenta previa why bleeding

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Connect with a doctor now. Get help now: Ask doctors free Educational text. Similar questions A year-old member asked:. Placenta prevIa: The stretching of lower uterine segment causes the disruption in blood supply to the plaventa.

The blood usually comes out of the internal os. So this bleeding is painless. Rarely is there is collection of blood behind placenta than it can be painful.

No contractions. The placenta is devoid of innervation, therefore the mother does not experience pain in bleeding previa unless preterm labor is also present. Gregory Hines answered. Family Medicine 24 years experience. Bleeding: Placenta previa is the placenta implanting over the internal opening of the cervix, and is a very serious problem.

It will necessitate you having a caesarean section, as you will not be able to have a vaginal birth. As to bleeding, it can be very serious, and should be reported to your doctor immediately. Placenta previa: Usually bleeding associated with placenta previa is painless. Rarely, if there is separation of placenta and blood is collected retroplacentally, it can be painful. Jeff Livingston answered.

Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience. Placenta over cervix: Placenta previa is a complication of pregnancy where the placenta is covering the opening of the uterus called the cervix. If diagnosed in early pregnancy it may resolve before delivery. If not a C-section will be needed. It can cause painless bleeding often requiring bedrest. William Banks Hinshaw answered. Placental abruption is dangerous because of the risk of uncontrolled bleeding hemorrhage.

Although severe placental abruption is rare, other complications may include the following:. The most common symptom of placental abruption is dark red vaginal bleeding with pain during the third trimester of pregnancy. It also can occur during labor. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently. Some women may not have vaginal bleeding that is detectable, but there may be bleeding inside the uterus. Symptoms may include:. The symptoms of placental abruption may resemble other medical conditions.

The diagnosis of placental abruption is usually made by the symptoms, and the amount of bleeding and pain. Ultrasound may also be used to show the location of the bleeding and to check the fetus. There are three grades of placental abruption, including the following:.

Grade 1. Small amount of vaginal bleeding and some uterine contractions, no signs of fetal distress or low blood pressure in the mother. Grade 2. Mild to moderate amount of bleeding, uterine contractions, the fetal heart rate may shows signs of distress. Grade 3. Moderate to severe bleeding or concealed hidden bleeding, uterine contractions that do not relax called tetany , abdominal pain, low blood pressure, fetal death. Sometimes placental abruption is not diagnosed until after delivery, when an area of clotted blood is found behind the placenta.

There is no treatment to stop placental abruption or reattach the placenta. Once placental abruption is diagnosed, a woman's care depends on the amount of bleeding, the gestational age, and condition of the fetus. Vaginal delivery may be possible if the fetus is tolerating labor. If placental abruption is affecting the fetus, then cesarean delivery may be necessary. Bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common and may be due to the following: Miscarriage pregnancy loss Ectopic pregnancy pregnancy in the fallopian tube Gestational trophoblastic disease a rare condition that may be cancerous in which a grape-like mass of fetal and placental tissues develops Implantation of the placenta in the uterus Infection Bleeding between the uterine wall and placental membrane subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma Normal changes in the cells of the cervix due to pregnancy Bleeding in late pregnancy after about 20 weeks may be due to the following: Placenta previa placenta is near or covers the cervical opening Placental abruption placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus Unknown cause What is placenta previa?

There are three types of placenta previa: Total placenta previa. The placenta completely covers the cervix. Placenta previa: Epidemiology, clinical feature, diagnosis, morbidity and mortality. Accessed April 28, Frequently asked questions.

Pregnancy FAQ Bleeding during pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Lockwood CJ, et al. Placenta previa: Management. Ferri FF. Placenta previa. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Feb. Butler Tobah YS expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. March 1,