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Placenta Praevia - A Quick Guide

If you experience bleeding during your pregnancy, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. If the bleeding or pain are severe, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Bleeding during pregnancy can be a sign of a placental complication known as placenta praevia. This condition occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus and may partially or completely block the cervix. In this guide, we cover the definition of placenta praevia, common symptoms, and how it’s managed.

What is Placenta Praevia?
Placenta Praevia occurs when the placenta attaches close to or completely covers the cervix, making vaginal birth difficult or impossible. It is sometimes referred to as a low-lying placenta. It affects approximately 0.3 – 0.5% of pregnancies in Australia.

Signs & Symptoms of Placentia Previa
Signs include vaginal bleeding after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Typical signs of placenta praevia include painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. Many individuals with minor placenta praevia may not experience symptoms until labour begins, whereas major placenta praevia can lead to heavier bleeding and delivery complications.

Does placenta praevia cause premature birth?

Placenta praevia complications contributes to about 5% of all preterm deliveries. Most patients with placenta praevia deliver preterm, often due to excessive maternal bleeding. However, recent research suggests that other mechanisms, such as intra-amniotic infection or inflammation, may also lead to preterm birth in these cases. Placenta praevia cannot be treated, regular monitoring can help reduce your chance of complications.

Complications may include:

  • heavy bleeding
  • emergency caesarean
  • blood transfusion
  • premature birth
  • hysterectomy (rarely)

What causes placenta previa?
The exact cause of placenta praevia is unclear, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. It is more commonly seen in individuals who:

  • Have had placenta praevia previously
  • Have undergone a caesarean section
  • Smoke
  • Are over the age of 35
  • Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiple babies
  • Have uterine scar tissue from past surgical procedures

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FAQs

Is placenta previa dangerous for the baby?

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Placenta praevia can pose risks to the baby, primarily due to preterm birth and restricted foetal growth. According to studies, women with placenta praevia have a higher likelihood of preterm birth, with many delivering before 37 weeks. Additionally, placenta praevia is associated with higher levels of maternal and foetal morbidity, requiring careful monitoring and management.

BMJ Best Practice. Placenta Praevia. BMJ Best Practice. 2025. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/667. Retrieved 26 May 2025.

 

How is placenta previa diagnosed?

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Placenta praevia is typically diagnosed through ultrasound imaging, either during routine scans or after symptoms such as painless vaginal bleeding appear in the second or third trimester. Scans also help determine the classification of placenta praevia, which refers to how much of the cervix is covered.

What are the treatment options for placenta previa?

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For treatment options consult with a medical professional as management depends on the severity of the condition. If bleeding is mild, doctors may recommend modified activity and close monitoring. In cases of severe bleeding, hospitalisation and early caesarean delivery may be necessary.

Can I have a vaginal birth with placenta previa?

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In most cases, vaginal birth is not possible if the placenta completely covers the cervix. A caesarean section is usually required to ensure a safe delivery. However, if the placenta is low-lying but does not fully cover the cervix, vaginal birth may still be an option with careful monitoring.

 



The vital role of research
Whilst relatively rare, research indicates placenta praevia cases are on the rise in correlation with increased caesareans. Charities such as Running For Premature Babies play a vital role in funding essential medical research, focused on pre- and post-natal care. Continued advancements in screening tools and ongoing research could significantly improve outcomes for mothers affected by placenta praevia, giving babies a better chance of survival.

At Running for Premature Babies, we are incredibly grateful for our dedicated community of fundraisers and volunteers. If you’d like to support research into preterm birth or complications like placenta praevia, including studies into the classification of placenta praevia, your donation can make a lasting impact. Help equip hospitals with essential NICU resources by donating here.

 

 




Healthdirect Australia. Pregnancy Birth and Baby, Placenta Praevia.

Retrieved 15th May 2025 from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/placenta-praevia

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). Maternal morbidity data in Australia: An assessment of the feasibility of standardised collection. AIHW. Retrieved 15th May 2025 from https://www.aihw.gov.au

Zhang, L., Bi, S., Du, L., et al. (2020). Effect of previous placenta previa on outcome of next pregnancy: A 10-year retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(212).  Retrieved 15th May 2025 from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-02890-3