1. Give Up Your Medical History
When a pregnant woman has placenta previa, the placenta attaches itself to the lower part of the uterus either near or covering the cervix. This condition can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy or delivery and presents a serious risk for both mother and baby. If your doctor suspects placenta previa, she will first try to learn about your medical history, as certain aspects of your history may make you more likely to develop placenta previa. If you are over age 35 or if you are pregnant with multiples, you are more likely to develop a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. Previous uterine surgeries such as cesarean sections can also increase your risk. Uterine abnormalities or uterine scars also make you have a higher risk of developing this condition. Finally, if you have had a previous pregnancy with placenta previa, you have between a 4 and 8 percent recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Be sure to go over your complete history with your doctor, as it is very important in a placenta previa diagnosis.
2. Know the Symptoms
Patients with placenta previa typically exhibit vaginal bleeding. This bleeding often has a bright red color, and it can be heavy in nature. Usually, the vaginal bleeding is not associated with any pain. Vaginal bleeding due to placenta previa occurs most commonly in the later part of the second trimester or in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some women with a low-lying placenta also have premature contractions of the uterus. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor and allow her to perform a complete physical examination. The information you give about your symptoms as well as the results from the physical examination can help your doctor diagnose placenta previa.
3. Look at the Uterus and the Placenta
Doctors usually diagnose placenta previa using ultrasound. She can use either an abdominal ultrasound or a transvaginal ultrasound where an ultrasound wand is inserted into the woman's vagina. Both types of ultrasound examinations allow the doctor to look at the woman's uterus and the placenta itself. If the doctor sees the placenta located over the cervical opening or very close the cervix, she will make a general diagnosis of placenta previa. If the placenta appears very near to the cervix, she will likely diagnose marginal placenta previa. If the placenta partially covers the cervical opening, a doctor will diagnose partial placenta previa. When the placenta completely covers the opening of the cervix, a doctor diagnoses complete placenta previa.
