Placenta Previa

fetal protection and support during pregnancy.

Placenta previa is a condition that may happen during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It’s one of the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during these trimesters. It happens when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus. This causes the placenta to block part or all of the opening of the cervix to the vagina (birth canal). It can lead to problems for both the mother and baby, including blood loss and premature labor.

Some factors that make placenta previa more likely

Factors include the following:

  • Multiple pregnancy (carrying more than one baby)
  • Previous pregnancies and deliveries
  • Previous myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids through an incision in the uterus)
  • Previous cesarean section (if the scar is low and close to the vaginal cervix)
  • Smoking cigarettes

Diagnosing the problem

Placenta previa can cause painless bleeding during the second or third trimester. If this happens, an ultrasound test can confirm the problem. But the problem can be present without bleeding. So your healthcare provider will check the position of the placenta during routine ultrasound exams.

Treating the problem

Depending on the amount of bleeding, the type of placenta previa, and the stage of the pregnancy, the following treatments may be recommended:

  • Partial or complete bed rest for the mother
  • Blood transfusions to replace maternal blood loss
  • Medicines to help mature the baby’s lungs or prevent premature labor
  • Cesarean delivery (this may be done immediately if bleeding cannot be stopped)

During treatment

Even if you are not on bed rest, your healthcare provider may ask you to restrict your activity. You will likely be told to:

  • Avoid intercourse
  • Limit traveling
  • Avoid pelvic exams
Accepted Insurances

May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology participates with the following insurances. Please note that office copays are due at the time of service and any co-insurances are the responsibility of the patient. Please check with your carrier or call our office at 717-397-8177 for an updated menu of insurance options.

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Please consider the following when booking:

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New Patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.

Additionally, your insurance coverage will be verified when you check in for your visit. Please confirm that we accept your insurance before booking online. If we do not accept your insurance, you will not be seen and your appointment will be canceled.

Each patient is unique, and so is each appointment type!

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.