Placenta Previa

What is placenta previa?

The complete or partial covering the uterine internal os of the cervix with the placenta, typically identified during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms of placenta previa?

sudden, painless bleeding

Usually found on ultrasound

Name nursing management within the acute care setting

• Monitoring vital signs

• intake and output

• vaginal bleeding

• physiological status

What are signs of hemorrhaging?

• shock

• infections

Name treatments for placenta previa.

• possible bed rest

• urgent delivery

• blood transfusion

What are considered risk factors for placenta previa?

• smoking

• cocaine use

• > 35 yrs old

• multigravida status

• multiple gestation

• hx of uterine surgery

• uterine fibroids

What happens if the cervix begins to dilate with a previa?

The cervix will pull away from the placenta causing bleeding and decreased placental perfusion