“What Are Common Placenta Problems During Pregnancy?”

What Are Common Placenta Problems During Pregnancy?

Most of the time pregnancy goes off without a hitch. The vast majority of women will experience few problems during pregnancy, aside from some annoying side effects on occasion.

Some women however, are more at risk for certain complications than others, including placenta problems during pregnancy. Below are some of the more common placenta problems women experience during pregnancy.

Low Lying Placenta
This is a relatively common problem diagnosed in early pregnancy. Typically the placenta implants toward the upper half of the uterus. Occasionally the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment. It is possible that this may result in intrauterine growth restriction or other problems during labor including preterm labor.

Fortunately, most of the time a low-lying placenta is diagnosed before 28 weeks pregnancy it often resolves itself. Generally as the uterus grows upward the placenta slowly migrates toward the upper half of the uterus. Thus, many women will go on to deliver a normal and healthy baby. If a low lying placenta is diagnosed later in pregnant, especially during the third trimester, there is less chance it will migrate on its own.

Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is completely or partially covering the cervix. This is a dangerous condition that may require intervention. When diagnosed early in pregnancy, at or before 20 weeks, some women will find their placenta migrates toward the upper half of the uterus. Many times however a placenta previa will persist during pregnancy. This presents many unique challenges including a risk for hemorrhage during delivery.

There are different kinds of placenta previa including a “marginal”
placenta previa where the placenta is only partially covering the cervix and a complete placenta previa, where the placenta completely covers the cervix. If you have a marginal or complete placenta previa during the third trimester, there is a strong possibility your doctor will recommend a cesarean section between 38 and 39 weeks to help deliver your baby safely ad reduce your risk of hemorrhage during delivery.

Placenta Abruption
This is a rare and life threatening situation for mother and baby where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall. This may result from trauma or injury to the abdomen or for no apparent reason. Some risk factors may include drug use, uterine malformation or scarring associated with previous cesarean deliveries or other abdominal surgery.

When the placenta abrupts a woman may experience abdominal pain and rigidity. She may also experience vaginal bleeding. Hemorrhaging may occur.

Marginal Placental Tear
This can occur if the placenta tears slightly from the wall of the uterus or separates from the uterus only partially. Tears can also occur when a placenta is low lying and part of it comes in contact with the cervix. As the cervix begins to dilate in preparation for labor, open vessels within the placenta may sometimes tear.

Most of the time tears result in spontaneous bleeding during pregnancy. This is usually painless. If accompanied by rigidity a placental abruption may be suspected. Much testing will often ensue if your health care provider expects a placental tear. In some cases a cesarean section may be recommended to preserve the life of mother and baby.

Placental problems during pregnancy are very much a cause for concern. Fortunately most women will not have problems with their placenta during pregnancy. If your doctor does diagnose a placental problem early on, the good news is thanks to modern technology your doctor will be able to monitor your progress and that of your baby to ensure the best possible outcome.

In many cases women with placental problems may have to endure bed rest for a certain length of time  to preserve their health and that of their baby. Ultimately this is a small sacrifice to pay to ensure the health and well being of your loved one. Be sure to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your placenta during pregnancy!