Placenta previa is a potentially deadly complication of late pregnancy. The placenta implants low on the uterine wall in placenta previa and covers part or all of the cervical opening. As the cervix begins to thin or dilate, the placenta tears away and bleeds. The placenta implants in the low part of the uterus in 5 percent of pregnancies but then moves up the uterine wall. The incidence of placenta previa by the third trimester is around 1 in 200 pregnant women, the American Pregnancy Association states. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the previa.
Bed Rest
Bed rest is standard treatment for placenta previa. If bleeding continues, you may be required to stay in the hospital, but if bleeding stops, your medical practitioner may allow bed rest at home. Absolutely no sexual activity of any kind is allowed, since it may start uterine contractions. No vaginal exams will be done, to avoid puncturing the placenta if the cervix is slightly dilated. Avoid straining to have a bowel movement, standing or sitting as much as possible.
Medications
Bleeding can start from contractions, so medication to ensure labor won't begin early may be given. Preterm delivery can harm the baby, so stopping labor for as long as possible is the goal. About 25 percent of all previa deliveries occur before week 37 of pregnancy, according to Monica Rhodes of Healthwise. Steroid injections are given to help fetal lungs mature if delivery is thought to be imminent and the baby is premature.
Blood Transfusion
Bleeding doesn't always occur before labor begins. If bleeding is heavy, blood transfusion may be given in the hospital to ensure adequate oxygenation for mother and baby. Around 10 percent of babies born to a mother with placenta previa also lose blood during the pregnancy and may need blood transfusion after delivery.
Cesarean Section
If heavy bleeding occurs and can't be stopped, an immediate cesarean section will be necessary, even if the baby is premature. Rarely, if the placenta is just on the edge of the cervix, vaginal delivery may be attempted. More often than not, though, a cesarean will be done to protect both mother and baby. Fortunately, less than 1 percent of women with a previa die, and 9 out of 10 babies also survive, HealthScout states.
