We take great pride in announcing the successful delivery of a patient diagnosed with Placenta Previa. The patient had undergone a lower (uterine) segment Caesarean section (LSCS), and as a result, her uterus tended to weaken, making the situation extremely difficult. This accomplishment highlights our commitment to providing exceptional medical care and expertise to our patients.
We honour this miracle of motherhood at our hospital, where compassion meets cutting-edge medical knowledge. The team, which was led by Dr. Madhulika Singh, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, successfully carried out a difficult procedure on the 37-year-old expecting woman and delivered a healthy baby girl through emergency caesarean section.
What is Placenta Previa?
When the placenta entirely or partially covers the uterus’s entrance (cervix), it is known as placenta previa. It increases the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage and increases the risk of morbidity and death in both the mother and the newborn.
The placenta is a growing organ inside the uterus during pregnancy. It functions to eliminate waste and to provide infant nutrients and oxygen. Your baby and the placenta are linked via the umbilical chord.
The placenta is often fastened to the top or side of the uterus’ inner wall. In situations of placenta previa, the placenta attaches lower in the uterus. As a result, the cervix is partially covered by placental tissue, making vaginal birth difficult. It may lead to bleeding during labour, throughout the pregnancy, or after delivery.
There are various types of Placenta Previa:
Marginal Placenta Previa: The placenta lies on the border of the cervix, touching it but not covering it. Before the due date of your baby, this kind of placenta previa is more likely to go away on its own.
Partial Placenta Previa: You have a placenta that partially covers your cervix.
Complete or entire placenta Previa: The placenta completely covers your cervix, obstructing your vagina.
Symptoms
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, bright crimson vaginal bleeding that generally causes little discomfort is the primary indicator of placenta Previa.
- Spotting might occur in advance of a situation that results in increased blood loss.
- For some women, bleeding might not start until labour.
- Contractions or light cramps in your back, tummy, or abdomen.
Risk factors
Previa of the placenta is more common in women who:
- Possess a history of C-section deliveries
- Possess scars from earlier surgeries or procedures on the uterus
- Had a previous pregnancy with placenta Previa
- After undergoing surgery using assisted reproductive technology (ART) to treat infertility
- Are 35 years of age or older and
- Are carrying more than one fetus
Placenta previa complications include:
During pregnancy, labour, or delivery, there might be severe bleeding.
Before your baby is full term (40 weeks), your doctor may perform an emergency C-section if you are bleeding heavily.
Too much blood loss might result in anaemia, low blood pressure, a pale complexion, or shortness of breath.
Placenta accreta: The placenta embeds itself too deeply in the uterine wall. This may result in significant bleeding after delivery.
Placental abruption: The placenta separates from your uterus before delivering your baby. As a result, your baby receives less oxygen and nutrition.
For a baby:
Premature birth: Your baby can be born too soon if you need an emergency C-section because of your extreme bleeding.
Low birth weight: Potential negative effects of low birth weight include difficulty keeping warm and poor weight gain.
Respiratory problems: Underdeveloped lungs may pose a challenge to breathing.
Treatment
The healthcare team plans to perform an elective caesarean birth for the patient at 36 to 37 weeks after diagnosing placenta previa. However, some individuals with placenta Previa exhibit problems and require emergency caesarean operations at an earlier gestational age.
An article recently featured in The Times of India has shed light on the commendable expertise of our team of healthcare professionals in managing complex pregnancies and deliveries. Let us all join in congratulating this resilient mother on the arrival of her second child and in celebrating the hope and happiness that our Hospital has brought to her life.
To Know More: Woman overcomes infertility and major pregnancy complications to welcome second child at Pune hospital