Pregnancy Complications
Placenta Previa & Placenta Accreta
Conditions where the placenta is abnormally positioned or attached, requiring specialist planning for safe delivery.
What is Placenta Previa & Placenta Accreta?
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus). Placenta accreta spectrum refers to conditions where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and may invade surrounding organs. Both conditions are more common in women who have had previous caesarean deliveries and require careful planning for delivery.
Why is it a Concern?
Placenta previa can cause severe, life-threatening bleeding during pregnancy or delivery. Placenta accreta makes the placenta difficult or impossible to separate from the uterus after delivery, potentially requiring surgical intervention including hysterectomy. These are among the most serious obstetric complications.
Signs & Symptoms
- Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding that may be sudden and heavy
- In placenta accreta, bleeding may not occur until delivery
How It is Monitored
Diagnosis is typically made by ultrasound. Women with placenta previa are monitored with serial scans to assess whether the placenta moves away from the cervix as the uterus grows. Suspected placenta accreta may require MRI imaging for detailed assessment. Delivery is carefully planned, often by caesarean section, with preparations for potential blood transfusion.
Why See an MFM Specialist?
MFM specialists have expertise in the ultrasound diagnosis of placental abnormalities, interpreting complex imaging, and coordinating multidisciplinary surgical teams when placenta accreta is suspected. Their involvement significantly improves outcomes in these high-stakes situations.
Dr. Kartik Balaraman Manages This Condition
Dr. Kartik has extensive experience managing placenta previa and accreta spectrum disorders. If you have been diagnosed with a placental abnormality, contact Dr. Kartik to discuss your delivery planning.
Book ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Will placenta previa resolve on its own?
In many cases diagnosed in the second trimester, the placenta moves upward as the uterus grows. Your doctor will monitor with serial ultrasounds. If it persists into the third trimester, delivery by caesarean section is typically planned.
Can I deliver vaginally with placenta previa?
If the placenta completely covers the cervix near term, vaginal delivery is not safe. Partial previa may allow vaginal delivery in some cases, depending on the exact position.
What is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta is when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. It cannot separate normally after delivery and may require surgical management, including possible hysterectomy in severe cases.
How is placenta previa diagnosed?
It's typically identified on routine ultrasound, most often at the 20-week anomaly scan. Follow-up scans check whether the placenta moves away from the cervix as the uterus grows.
Do I need to avoid activity with placenta previa?
Your doctor may advise avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and intercourse in the second half of pregnancy. Specific restrictions depend on whether bleeding has occurred and where the placenta is located.
Related Conditions
High-Risk Pregnancy
A pregnancy that requires closer monitoring due to factors that increase the chance of complications for the mother or baby.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Conditions that affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications including blood clots and placental problems.
Cardiac & Thyroid Conditions
Specialist pregnancy management for women with heart disease or thyroid disorders.
Reviewed by Dr. Kartik Balaraman, Consultant OBGYN & Maternal Fetal Medicine Sub-Specialist ·
This page is for general education and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your pregnancy or health, consult a qualified specialist directly.