Placenta previa is a complication of 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 placenta is the organ that nourishes the developing baby in the womb.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

During pregnancy, the placenta moves as the uterus stretches and grows. In early pregnancy, a low-lying placenta is very common. But as the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus should "pull" the placenta toward the top of the womb. By the third trimester, the placenta should be near the top of the uterus, leaving the opening of the cervix clear for the delivery.
Sometimes, though, the placenta remains in the lower portion of the uterus, partly or completely covering this opening. This is called a previa.
There are different forms of placenta previa:
  • Marginal: The placenta is against the cervix but does not cover the opening.
  • Partial: The placenta covers part of the cervical opening.
  • Complete: The placenta completely covers the cervical opening.
Placenta previa occurs in 1 out of 200 pregnancies. It is more common in women who have:
  • Abnormally developed uterus
  • Many previous pregnancies
  • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.)
  • Scarring of the uterine wall caused by previous pregnancies, cesareans, uterine surgery, or abortions
Women who smoke or have their children at an older age may also have an increased risk. Possible causes of placenta previa include:
  • Abnormal formation of the placenta
  • Abnormal uterus
  • Large placenta
  • Scarred lining of the uterus (endometrium)

Symptoms

The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden, painless vaginal bleeding that often occurs near the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. In some cases, there is severe bleeding, or hemorrhage. The bleeding may stop on its own but can start again days or weeks later.
There may be uterine cramping with the bleeding. Labor sometimes starts within several days after heavy vaginal bleeding. However, in some cases, bleeding may not occur until after labor starts.
See: Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy

Signs and tests

Your health care provider can diagnose placenta previa with an ultrasound exam. Most cases of placenta previa are identified by routine ultrasound during pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment depends on various factors:
  • How much bleeding you had
  • Whether the baby is developed enough to survive outside the uterus
  • How much of the placenta is covering the cervix
  • The position of the baby
  • The number of previous births you have had
  • Whether you are in labor
Many times the placenta moves away from the cervical opening before delivery.
If the placenta is near the cervix or is covering a portion of it, you may need to reduce activities and stay on bed rest. Your doctor will order pelvic rest, which means no intercourse, no tampons, and no douching. Nothing should be placed in the vagina.
If there is bleeding, however, you will most likely be admitted to a hospital for careful monitoring.
If you have lost a lot of blood, blood transfusions may be given. You may receive medicines to prevent premature labor and help the pregnancy continue to at least 36 weeks. Beyond 36 weeks, delivery of the baby may be the best treatment.
If your blood type is Rh-negative, you will be given anti-D immunoglobulin injections.
Your health care providers will carefully weigh your risk of ongoing bleeding against the risk of an early delivery for your baby.
Women with placenta previa most likely need to deliver the baby by cesarean section. This helps prevent death to the mother and baby. An emergency c-section may be done if the placenta actually covers the cervix and the bleeding is heavy or very life threatening.

Expectations (prognosis)

Placenta previa is most often diagnosed before bleeding occurs. Careful monitoring of the mother and unborn baby can prevent many of the significant dangers.
The biggest risk is that severe bleeding will require your baby to be delivered early, before major organs, such as the lungs, have developed.
Most complications can be avoided by hospitalizing a mother who is having symptoms, and delivering by C-section.

Complications

Risks to the mother include:
  • Death
  • Major bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Shock
There is also an increased risk for infection, blood clots, and necessary blood transfusions.
Prematurity (infant is less than 36 weeks gestation) causes most infant deaths in cases of placenta previa. The baby may lose blood if the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus during labor. The baby also can lose blood when the uterus is opened during a C-section delivery.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have bleeding from the vagina at any point in your pregnancy. Placenta previa can be dangerous to both you and your baby.

Prevention

This condition is not preventable.



Now the doctor said that from the looks of the ultrasounds I have what would be the "Partial Placenta Previa". My placenta doesn't quiet cover all of the opening, but almost. 

I go back for another in depth ultrasounds at 28 weeks to see where the placenta is then. She, and we are hoping that with the growth of the uterus the placenta might move up away from the cervix. If this does happen then we are all set to go with a normal delivery, providing my blood pressure doesnt interfere. 
If the placenta should stay where its at, or NOT clear the cervix opening by 2cm than I will most likely be scheduled for a C-section before/by 39 weeks, depending on how things are going. What they would not want to happen is me go into labor which would put my life and the babies life at risk.

So, with that said, I dont normally, well I should say ever ask for prayers, but if you could just keep us in your thoughts and prayers to get through this smoothly and hopefully get good news at 28 weeks I/we would greatly appreciate it!!