| Gorovitz & Borten, P.C. Attorneys at Law 400 Totten Pond Road, 2nd Floor Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 Tel: (781) 890-9095 |
| Placenta Previa |
Placenta previa is the implantation of the placenta over the internal cervical os
(uterine opening). Placenta previa can be complete (covering the entire uterine
opening) or partial (covering just a portion of the uterine opening). A marginal
placenta is when the edge of the placenta approaches the opening of the uterus
and a low-lying placenta is when the placental edge is within 2-3 centimeters
from the uterine opening. A placenta previa diagnosed during the first trimester
of pregnancy can self-correct and disappear as the uterus grows with the
pregnancy.
Placenta previa is a leading cause of bleeding during the last six months of
pregnancy and classically presents as painless bright red bleeding. Sometimes,
the vaginal bleeding can be associated with uterine irritability. The exact cause
of placenta previa is unknown. Risk factors associated with placenta previa
include:
Tests used to evaluate placenta previa include:
Expectant management until fetal maturity is accomplished has routinely been
used for patients with placenta previa. Cesarean section is the safest mode of
delivery. At times, the placenta previa may attach directly into the uterine muscle
creating what is known as Placenta acreta, increta or percreta in accordance
with the degree of uterine penetration. Patients with complete placenta previa
tend to deliver prematurely and at times may require hysterectomy following
delivery. The surgical team must be prepared for potential complications
associated with placenta previa. Complications associated with placenta previa
include:
The obstetrical team caring for a patient with placenta previa must have delivery
plans that include matched-blood and the possibility of cesarean hysterectomy
(delivery of the infant followed by removal of the uterus) because of continuous
bleeding.
If the child's injury was the result of intrauterine fetal hypoxia (asphyxia or birth
trauma), that was diagnosable, avoidable and preventable, you may have a
valid cause of action. The injury may be the result of a medical provider's
mistake in handling an obstetrical condition. Your child and you as parents of
the child are entitled to receive compensation. If your child's condition was the
result of medical negligence, allow Dr. Borten and the Boston area medical
malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten help you assert your rights and get
the compensation you deserve.
(uterine opening). Placenta previa can be complete (covering the entire uterine
opening) or partial (covering just a portion of the uterine opening). A marginal
placenta is when the edge of the placenta approaches the opening of the uterus
and a low-lying placenta is when the placental edge is within 2-3 centimeters
from the uterine opening. A placenta previa diagnosed during the first trimester
of pregnancy can self-correct and disappear as the uterus grows with the
pregnancy.
Placenta previa is a leading cause of bleeding during the last six months of
pregnancy and classically presents as painless bright red bleeding. Sometimes,
the vaginal bleeding can be associated with uterine irritability. The exact cause
of placenta previa is unknown. Risk factors associated with placenta previa
include:
- Multiparity
- Multiple pregnancy
- Advancing age (35 years)
- Recurrent abortions
- History of dilatation and curettage of the uterus
- Prior placenta previa
- Smoking
- Cocaine use
Tests used to evaluate placenta previa include:
- Vaginal or Abdominal ultrasound
- Ultrasound assessment of the baby
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Blood type evaluation
- Fibrinogen level
- Prothrombin
- Partial thromboplastin
- D-dimer
- Test for fetal lung maturity
- Tests to rule out fetal origin of the vaginal bleeding
Expectant management until fetal maturity is accomplished has routinely been
used for patients with placenta previa. Cesarean section is the safest mode of
delivery. At times, the placenta previa may attach directly into the uterine muscle
creating what is known as Placenta acreta, increta or percreta in accordance
with the degree of uterine penetration. Patients with complete placenta previa
tend to deliver prematurely and at times may require hysterectomy following
delivery. The surgical team must be prepared for potential complications
associated with placenta previa. Complications associated with placenta previa
include:
- Hemorrhage
- Preterm delivery
- Abnormal fetal presentation
- Placenta abruptio
The obstetrical team caring for a patient with placenta previa must have delivery
plans that include matched-blood and the possibility of cesarean hysterectomy
(delivery of the infant followed by removal of the uterus) because of continuous
bleeding.
If the child's injury was the result of intrauterine fetal hypoxia (asphyxia or birth
trauma), that was diagnosable, avoidable and preventable, you may have a
valid cause of action. The injury may be the result of a medical provider's
mistake in handling an obstetrical condition. Your child and you as parents of
the child are entitled to receive compensation. If your child's condition was the
result of medical negligence, allow Dr. Borten and the Boston area medical
malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten help you assert your rights and get
the compensation you deserve.
Contact Information
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours
(when possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question or
concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours
(when possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question or
concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
Website disclaimer: The materials on this website have been prepared by Gorovitz &
Borten, P.C. for informational purposes only and are not intended, and should not be
construed as legal advice. This information is not intended to create and receipt of it does
not constitute a lawyer-client relationship. Similarly, any submission or receipt of information
using electronic "Contact Us" form does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Internet and
online readers should not act upon any of the information contained on this website without
seeking professional counsel. (See Terms and Conditions).
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