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Placenta Previa: Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatment Options

August 17, 2026
Placenta Previa: Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatment Options

There are a lot of changes that occur in pregnancy. Although most of them are perfectly normal, some may need to be observed by a doctor. This is the case with placenta previa, a condition that does not always show symptoms in its early stages, but being aware of it will help prevent complications.

This blog will give you a complete picture of symptoms, causes, risks and treatment options available for placenta previa.

What Is Placenta Previa?

The placenta is an organ that grows inside the uterus of a pregnant woman. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus and removes excreta (waste products). Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partly or completely covers the opening of the uterus. This can cause heavy bleeding in the pregnant woman prior to, during, or after labour.

Types of Placenta Previa

There are mainly three types of placenta previa:

  • Marginal placenta previa: In this, the placenta is only touching your cervix (opening of the uterus). This type of placenta previa usually resolves on its own before your due date.
  • Partial placenta previa: Here, the placenta partially covers your cervix.
  • Complete or total placenta previa: Here, the placenta completely covers your cervix. This type of placenta previa is less likely to resolve on its own. 

All three types of placenta previa can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labour. 

Symptoms of Placenta Previa

Given below are the most common placenta previa symptoms:

  • Mild cramps or contractions in your belly or back
  • Bright red bleeding from the vagina, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy. It can stop and start again days later, and how much you bleed varies a lot from woman to woman. Most of the time, there's no pain with it.

Causes of Placenta Previa

There's no single known cause of placenta previa, though a few things can raise the risk. Some of these you can control, some you can't:

  • Being 35 or older
  • Smoking
  • Having been pregnant before, especially more than once
  • Carrying twins, triplets or more 
  • A history of fibroids, or past uterine surgery (caesarean sections included)
  • The placenta implanting low, near or over the cervix

None of this means it'll happen to you, but staying on top of prenatal checkups makes it far easier to catch and manage if it does.

How Is Placenta Previa Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose placenta previa by performing an ultrasound around 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

  • Transvaginal ultrasound: Your doctor might insert a transducer, a wand-like device with a camera, into your vagina to check the position of your baby, your cervix and the placenta.
  • Abdominal ultrasound: In this test, your doctor may rub gel on your belly and move the transducer around your abdomen. This can also display the position of your placenta and cervix. 

Treatment Options for Placenta Previa

The treatment of placenta previa depends on:

  • Severity of bleeding
  • How far along you are in your pregnancy
  • Position of the placenta 
  • Your and your baby’s general health

If your doctor finds placenta previa early in pregnancy (1st or 2nd trimester), it may go away on its own. This is because the placenta can change as your uterus expands to hold the expanding fetus. However, if placenta previa is diagnosed in later stages of pregnancy, there is less of a chance of it getting better on its own. 

If the placenta is covering some part of the cervix and you are not bleeding, your doctor may recommend: 

  • Reducing physically exhausting activities such as running and lifting exercises
  • Bed rest at home
  • Avoiding sexual intercourse, tampons, or douching
  • Frequent ultrasounds and prenatal appointments

In case of moderate to severe cases, your doctor may recommend:

  • Bed rest in the hospital
  • Blood transfusion in case of heavy bleeding
  • Medicines to prevent the occurrence of early labour
  • Steroid shots to help develop the baby’s lungs faster
  • An emergency caesarean section in case of heavy and uncontrolled bleeding

Conclusion

Placenta previa can sound worrying, but with early diagnosis and appropriate medical care, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. Keeping up with your prenatal visits and getting immediate medical care if you notice any vaginal bleeding goes a long way in ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your baby. 

If anything feels off with your pregnancy, don't wait it out and get it checked by a gynaecologist doctor. Looking for top gynaecologists in Bangalore who have handled high-risk pregnancies before? Apollo Cradle has doctors who specialise in exactly that.

Can placenta previa affect my baby’s growth?

It can, though it's not always the cause behind slow growth. What happens is the placenta may struggle to pass on enough oxygen and nutrients, and that's what ends up affecting the baby.

Is it safe to travel if I have placenta previa?

Not really recommended, especially for longer trips or flights. The bigger concern is bleeding, as it can start suddenly and without warning, and in some cases it can turn serious fast.

Can I have a normal pregnancy after placenta previa?

Most women do go on to have one. But if it's happened once, the chances of it happening again next time are a bit higher, so it's worth mentioning to your doctor early and keeping track through the pregnancy.

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