Placenta Previa

I. Definition
- Is low implantation of the placenta



II. Cause(s)
- Uterine abnormality
- Increased parity
- Advanced maternal age
- Past cesarean births
- Past uterine curettage
- Multiple gestation



III. Types
- It occurs in four degrees:
A. implantation in the lower rather than in the upper portion of the uterus (low-lying placenta)
B. marginal implantation (the placenta edge approaches that of the cervical os)
C. implantation that occludes a portion of the cervical os (partial placenta previa)
D. implantation that totally obstructs the cervical os (total placenta previa).




IV. Signs and Symptoms
- Painless bleeding, bright red in color, at beginning of cervical dilation