Placenta previa
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervical opening. This can block the baby's path out during delivery and cause painless vaginal bleeding, especially in the second and third trimesters. If detected early in pregnancy, the placenta may still move upward as the uterus grows, so a follow-up scan around 32 to 36 weeks is usually recommended. If the placenta remains low near your due date, your doctor will plan a caesarean birth. Avoiding sexual intercourse, heavy exercise, and internal examinations is typically advised to reduce bleeding risk.
What This Means for You
Understanding Placenta previa is an important part of your pregnancy journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
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In Singapore, most hospitals such as KKH will schedule a repeat ultrasound at 32 to 34 weeks to reassess placental position before finalising your birth plan. Report any bleeding immediately to your care team.
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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