What is Placenta Previa?
It is a condition where the placenta lies low to the
point of obstructing the cervix marginally, partially
or fully. Low-lying placenta is a variation in that
the placenta does not cover the internal os at all,
but is a safe distance away from the cervix. Fortunately
most 'low-lying' placenta cases do not progress into
placenta previa. Fortunately, any problems with the
placenta happening within 20 weeks of pregnancy can
be detected at the anomaly scan performed at the 20th
week of pregnancy.
Marginal previa means the cervix is covered marginally;
partial means the placenta covers the opening quite
a bit and complete previa means the cervix is totally
covered. At the start of the pregnancy the placenta
may be low-lying but usually makes a shift upwards as
the belly expands and with time moves away from the
cervix completely, especially towards term. In the case
of a previa, the placenta stays lodged at the cervix
even as the pregnancy progresses. In a favorable situation,
the placenta moves upwards with the advancement of the
pregnancy.
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