1. Determine the Course of Treatment
Treatment for placenta previa depends on several things, all of which your doctor will take into account. Your health and the amount of vaginal bleeding help determine the treatment plan. In addition, the age and status of the fetus also plays a factor, as treatment plans will be very different if the fetus is mature versus premature. Finally, the specific position of the placenta in the uterus in relation to the cervix will help determine the course of treatment for placenta previa.
2. Take it Easy
If you have little or no vaginal bleeding associated with your placenta previa, your doctor may suggest bed rest and taking it easy at home. Your doctor will likely tell you to go on full bed rest or partial bed rest. Bed rest will help limit vaginal bleeding and any stress on your placenta. You will also have to avoid exercise, pelvic examinations and intercourse. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations in regards to bed rest and your daily activities. Also, be sure to allow your doctor to perform regular ultrasounds of your uterus and placenta to check on your placenta's position through the pregnancy. It is possible for the placenta to move away from the opening of the cervix as your pregnancy progresses (called placental migration).
3. Check Into the Hospital
Sometimes, a low-lying placenta or placenta previa is associated with heavy vaginal bleeding. If this is the case, hospitalization is often required. While in the hospital, you can expect full bed rest and careful, frequent ultrasounds to monitor the location of the placenta in your uterus. You will likely receive medications called corticosteroids to help mature your baby's lungs in the event of a premature delivery, as well as medications to help prevent you from going into premature labor. If the vaginal bleeding is very heavy, you may also receive blood transfusions to replace your lost blood volume.
4. Deliver Your Baby
The ultimate treatment for placenta previa is the delivery of the baby and of the placenta. In cases of uncontrolled bleeding, doctors will have to deliver the baby via an emergency cesarean section, even if the baby is premature. Doing so is the only way to stop uncontrolled bleeding due to placenta previa. In some cases, you may also require a hysterectomy to stop uncontrolled, heavy bleeding. In cases where the bleeding due to placenta previa is controlled or minimal, doctors will aim for the mother to make it to at least 36 weeks of pregnancy. At this point, if the baby is mature, delivery usually will occur. Women with complete placenta previa or partial placenta previa will always give birth via cesarean section. However, in the case of marginal placenta previa, a vaginal delivery is sometimes possible.
