Getting regular care means seeing your doctor as soon as you think you’re pregnant. After that, your doctor will schedule appointments as needed. [3] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source
Bleeding related to placenta previa can be light or heavy, and it is not necessarily constant; it may stop and then recur. If your bleeding is heavy, it’s best to go to the emergency room instead of waiting to hear from your doctor.
You may also need an MRI, but that test is not often done. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
It can be difficult to distinguish between true contractions and the normal Braxton-Hicks contractions that many women notice during pregnancy. Do not feel worried or embarrassed about checking with your doctor to be sure. Generally, the cliché that it’s better to be safe than sorry applies here.
A low-lying placenta means that the placenta is attached to the lower part of your uterus but is not covering the cervix. These cases often resolve themselves before delivery; the placenta may move upward as your pregnancy advances. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source A partial placenta previa means that the placenta is covering part of the cervix, but not all of it. Many of these cases also resolve themselves before delivery. [9] X Research source A total placenta previa covers the cervical opening completely, making a normal vaginal delivery unlikely. These cases are much less likely to clear up before delivery. [10] X Research source
It’s important to stop smoking while pregnant for a number of reasons, but it also increases your chance of developing this condition. [12] X Research source
In addition, you shouldn’t travel if you have this condition. [14] X Research source
If you notice sudden heavy bleeding, it’s best to go to the emergency room.
If you are not bleeding heavily and the placenta is blocking the cervix, you may be able to have a natural birth. However, about 3/4 of women who have this condition in the third trimester are not able to give birth vaginally. Doctors commonly recommend delivering a few weeks early with this condition. [25] X Research source If you have had a prior cesarean delivery and have placenta previa, you are at higher risk for a condition called placenta accreta. This is a serious condition in which the placenta does not detach after childbirth. You will need to make sure you deliver in a hospital that is prepared for this situation, including having a well-stocked blood bank. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Another option is to join an online support group. Online support groups exist for people with placenta previa and people on bed rest. Consider joining one. These groups can provide much-needed commiseration and suggestions for coping strategies.
For instance, you could watch your favorite movies or TV shows, read a good book, play computer or video games, have phone or Skype conversations with friends and family members, challenge someone to a board or card game, or keep a journal or a blog.
