Placenta previa (0.4-0.8% of pregnancies) is a condition in which Placenta is implanted wholly or partially in the lower uterine segment and it is an important cause of antepartum haemorrhage (2-6% of pregnancies). Complete assessment and management of placenta previa in a well equipped Hospital with facilities for resuscitation replacement of blood and blood products and expertise in operative delivery improves the maternal and fetal outcome. massive and uncontrollable hemorrhage can occur in this condition. from an aggressive Management by an experienced team can save lives. Here are some important tips to do when you are diagnosed with placenta previa or placenta accreta- 1. anaemia if present must be treated. build up your hemoglobin. 2. follow up with your doctor closely in antenatal clinic. TALK to your doctor and educate yourself. 3. follow up ultra sonography at 32 weeks and 36 weeks will confirm the diagnosis and plan the management and delivery. 4. Educate yourself and your family about all the possible complications, risk of sudden hemorrhage, home versus hospital management possibility of requiring blood transfusions and possibility of major surgical interventions like cesarean sections, internal iliac artery ligation, hysterectomy etc. 5. Easy and immediate accessibility to the hospital is the most important criteria for women to be managed at home. 6. a woman who starts bleeding at home must be instructed to remain in bed arrangement should be made to shift the women to a well equipped centre. all cases should be admitted in hospital even if they stop bleeding this is important because the initial bleeding may be small but it can recur anytime and may be life threatening.
- the risk of haemorrhage, blood transfusion and hysterectomy should be discussed with the women as a part of concern procedure. 8. A team of anesthetists, expert obstetricians, surgeon/urosurgeon, oncologist, intensivist and neonatologist should be available adequate blood and blood product should be arranged.
- Be prepared mentally, socially and financially for any emergency. Keep your emergency bag ready. It’s always better if you have some body to look after you and your kids so that you will be relaxed and can take rest. Parents or in laws are a great support at these tough times.
- Prepare your first baby for any emergency hospital admission. Tell him/her the importance of the situation. Involve them in your care.
Hope you will find this information helpful. Here are some of our patients experiences at our center.