Placenta Previa

If you have placenta previa, it means that your placenta is lying unusually low in your uterus, next to or covering your cervix. If you’re found to have placenta previa early in pregnancy, it’s not usually considered a problem. But if the placenta is still close to the cervix later in pregnancy, it can cause bleeding, which can lead to other complications and may mean that you’ll need to deliver early. If you have placenta previa when it’s time to deliver your baby, you’ll need to have a cesarean section.

Most women who develop placenta previa have no apparent risk factors. But if any of the following apply to you, you’re more likely to have this complication:

  • You had placenta previa in a previous pregnancy.
  • You’ve had c-sections before. (The more c-sections you’ve had, the higher the risk.)
  • You’ve had some other uterine surgery (such as a D&C or fibroid removal).
  • You’re pregnant with twins or more.
  • You’re a cigarette smoker.
  • You use cocaine.

Also, the more babies you’ve had and the older you are, the higher your risk.

Source: www.babycenter.com