What it means
Normally the placenta attaches high in the uterus. In placenta previa it sits over or near the cervix, so it can bleed as the cervix thins and opens late in pregnancy. The classic finding is bright red vaginal bleeding without pain, often in the third trimester. It is found by ultrasound, and a cesarean birth is usually needed.
For the nurse
Never do a vaginal exam on a client with known or suspected placenta previa, because it can cause severe bleeding. Monitor bleeding, the fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs, and teach the client to report any bleeding.
Remember it
Previa: the placenta is "in the way," in front of the baby's exit.
At a glance
| Spanish | placenta previa |
|---|---|
| Also written | placenta praevia |
Easy to confuse with
abruptio placentae
Early separation of a normally placed placenta from the wall of the uterus, before the baby is born.
Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
ultrasound
An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.
fetal
Relating to a fetus, the unborn baby from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.
abruptio placentae
Early separation of a normally placed placenta from the wall of the uterus, before the baby is born.