During pregnancy, the placenta attaches to the uterine wall and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the umbilical cord. In most cases, the placenta is attached to the top or middle of the uterus. But sometimes the placenta is attached to the lower part of the uterus. As a result, the placenta covers the cervix (birth canal) and makes normal delivery difficult or even impossible. This condition is called placenta previa (abnormal placement of the placenta). If you experience it, don't worry, because you can still give birth to a healthy baby.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing Placenta Previa
Step 1. Get regular prenatal care
Most cases of placenta previa are diagnosed at the time of routine examination. Regular prenatal care is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy pregnancy, even if you don't have this condition. See your midwife or obstetrician regularly and don't be absent.
Take regular care as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. After that, the doctor will schedule appointments as needed
Step 2. See a doctor if you experience bleeding
In general, you should contact your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding at any time during your pregnancy, as this could potentially lead to miscarriage or indicate a number of other problems. If the bleeding is bright red (but not painful) at some point in the second trimester or later, it could be a sign of placenta previa.
- Bleeding associated with placenta previa can be mild or severe, and is not always constant. The bleeding may stop and then happen again.
- If the bleeding is heavy, it's better to go to the ER (Emergency Installation), don't wait for your doctor.
Step 3. Perform ultrasound
To confirm the condition of placenta previa, the doctor will examine with ultrasound and see the location of the placenta. In some cases, you will have to have an abdominal ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound is done by inserting a small transducer into the vagina.
You may also need an MRI, but generally this is not necessary
Step 4. Seek help immediately if contractions occur prematurely
Like bleeding, contractions before the age of nine months of pregnancy should also be checked by a doctor. These contractions could indicate a miscarriage or other problem, or they could be a symptom of placenta previa.
It can be difficult to distinguish actual contractions from normal Braxton-Hicks contractions (contractions of the uterus to prepare for labor that begin in the early second trimester and become more frequent in the third trimester) that many women may experience during pregnancy. Don't worry or hesitate to get it checked by a doctor and make sure. In general, the adage “prevention is better than cure” applies to this case
Step 5. Ask for a specific diagnosis
If your doctor diagnoses you with placenta previa, ask more specifically. There are several types of placenta previa, including marginal placenta previa, partial placenta previa, and total placenta previa.
- Marginal placenta previa means that the placenta is attached to the lower part of the uterus but does not cover the cervix. These cases generally return to normal on their own before delivery; The placenta may rise as the pregnancy progresses.
- Partial placenta previa means that the placenta covers part of the cervix, but not all of it. Many also recover on their own before delivery.
- Placenta previa totalis covers the entire cervical opening, making normal vaginal delivery impossible. These cases generally do not resolve on their own before delivery.
Step 6. Know the risk factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing placenta previa. For example, if you are over 30 years old or have been pregnant before. In addition, if you are carrying more than one fetus or if you have scar tissue in the uterus.
You should quit smoking during pregnancy for a number of reasons, including because smoking increases your risk of developing this condition
Part 2 of 3: Treating Placenta Previa
Step 1. Get plenty of rest
One of the treatments for placenta previa is to get plenty of rest. In other words, you should postpone some strenuous activities. You will not be able to exercise or do some of your normal normal activities.
You should also not travel if you experience this condition
Step 2. Ask the doctor if he ordered you to bed rest (bed rest)
If you are not bleeding profusely, your doctor will order you to rest at home. Doctor's advice will vary, depending on the case. But in general, bed rest is what it sounds like: you lie down most of the time and only sit or stand when needed. However, bed rest also has a health risk, namely Deep Vein Thrombosis, so bed rest is now less recommended than before. If your doctor recommends bed rest, ask why or seek another opinion.
Step 3. Follow the “hip rest” recommendation
Pelvic rest means that you should not engage in activities that involve the vaginal area. For example, you should not have sex, do douches (washing the vagina with a special liquid), or use tampons.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about how severe your condition is
If you have marginal placenta previa or partial placenta previa, these conditions can go away on their own. Some women who suffer from this mild case have their placenta moved before delivery.
Step 5. Monitor for bleeding
The greatest risk to your health is the heavy bleeding that accompanies placenta previa. Sometimes people with placenta previa experience uterine bleeding (womb) which can be fatal. Monitor for signs of heavy bleeding, both at home and in the hospital.
If you suddenly experience heavy bleeding, go to the ER immediately
Step 6. Find out how the doctor will examine you after this
If you have placenta previa, your doctor will likely limit vaginal exams, as this can make the condition worse. In addition, the doctor will also use ultrasound to determine the time of delivery and examine the fetal heart rate more carefully.
Step 7. Find out what medication to give
Although medication cannot cure this condition directly, you may be given medication to strengthen the uterus (to prevent premature delivery), as well as corticosteroids (inflammation-reducing drugs) to help the baby's lungs develop if you are forced to give birth prematurely. You can also be given a blood transfusion if heavy bleeding occurs.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Placenta Previa
Step 1. Prepare for medical treatment
Because this condition can be severe, you may need to go to the hospital for medical care when needed. If you start to bleed or have sudden heavy bleeding, go to the ER immediately.
Step 2. Prepare for hospitalization
If the bleeding is moderate to heavy, the doctor will recommend hospitalization. In the hospital, you can lie down most of the time with the nurses on hand to help in case of problems.
Step 3. Perform a cesarean section if necessary
If the bleeding is uncontrollable or if you or your baby is showing signs of severe stress, your doctor may consider a cesarean section. This step needs to be done even if you are still far from your due date.
- If you don't bleed heavily even though the placenta is blocking the cervix, you still have a chance to have a natural delivery. But about 3/4 of women who have this condition in the third trimester, can not give birth vaginally. Under these circumstances, doctors generally recommend giving birth a few weeks earlier.
- If you've had a previous C-section and experienced placenta previa, you have a higher risk of developing placenta accreta. This is a serious condition, where the placenta does not separate from the uterus after the fetus is born. You should give birth in a hospital that is prepared to handle situations like this and has an adequate blood bank.
Step 4. Find the information yourself
Read about placenta previa and cesarean sections, and what the consequences of these conditions are. With more information, you will be more calm and in control.
Step 5. Find support
Talk to your partner, trusted friends, or family about any sadness, depression, frustration, worry, or anxiety you may be feeling. All these feelings are natural to feel when pregnancy is not going well, and these emotions must be released.
Another option is to join a support group on the internet. There are support groups on the internet for people with placenta previa and people who need bed rest. Join one of them. These groups can provide the sympathy and advice needed to deal with the situation
Step 6. Make bed rest as pleasant as possible
If you are forced to lie in bed, whether at home or in the hospital, make the most of it. Do productive things that fit the situation: find and buy baby gear on the internet, write thank-you cards for people who have sent gifts, and get things done from bed. But don't forget, make time for things that can make you feel calmer, happier, and less bored.
For example, you could watch a favorite movie or TV show, read a good book, play a computer or video game, call a friend or family member, play a board or card game with other people, or write a diary or blog
Step 7. Don't panic
Suffering from placenta previa is not an ideal condition and bed rest can be boring. But with the right care, you can have a healthy baby like most other women who also experience the same condition.
