The major Causes for Placenta previa are a mystery to medical professionals and are yet to be discovered. However, certain factors can contribute to the development of this condition. A woman’s age and number of pregnancies are thought to be the primary risk factors for this condition.
The Placenta is a core of cells. These cells are responsible for the growth and development of the growing fetus.
The placenta, which attaches to the wall of the uterus, is made up of cells that allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste. This exchange takes place between the mother and the fetus.
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta attaches too close to or completely covers the cervix. This prevents the fetus from getting the nutrition it needs and can cause complications during delivery.
For example, if the placenta covers the cervix during delivery, the baby cannot pass through, leading to a cesarean delivery.
There are Major causes for Placenta Previa
Placenta previa can be caused by a variety of factors, including prior uterine surgery, age, multiple pregnancies, smoking, and certain infections. It is necessary to dig deeper to understand how each factor contributes to this. There are various Causes for Placenta previa and risk factors for the condition of bleeding during pregnancy.
Placenta previa is still a mystery to medical professionals and researchers. It could just be a coincidence, as the position of the placenta inside the uterus varies from person to person.
At some point during the pregnancy, 1% to 15% (or more) of women would undergo the condition of placenta previa. Around 5 out of 1000 pregnancies experience placenta praevia, which is a low prevalence.
However, by the third trimester, it tends to affect only around 1 in 200 people.
If you undergo one or more of the listed risk factors, there is a high chance that you might have developed this condition during your pregnancy.
Risk factors
- The fertilized egg is implanted very low in the uterus, causing the placenta to grow near or over the cervical opening. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the risk factors and identify any signs and symptoms of placenta previa early so that timely medical attention can be provided.
- Anomalies like fibroids or scarring can be found in the endometrium, and the uterus lining (from previous previa, incisions, cesarean sections, or abortions).
- The placenta developed abnormally.
- In case of multiple pregnancies (i.e., twins or triplets).
- For these pregnancies, the probability of the issue doubles.
- The female might have had previous pregnancies.
- For women who have had six or more pregnancies, the possibility of developing placenta previa increases to 1 in 20.
- The woman smokes or uses drugs. Smoking during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for pregnancy and fertility, with an odds ratio of 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 5.5). This suggests that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a determinant of placenta previa.
- Lady is older or over the age of 35. The chance of developing placenta previa is three times increased.
Conclusion
The major causes for placenta previa are believed to be related to the woman’s age and the number of pregnancies she has had. If a woman is pregnant for the first time, or if she is younger than 35, the chances of developing this condition are much lower.
Placenta previa is more likely to develop in a multiparous woman, meaning a woman who has had multiple pregnancies. This is either a grand multiparous woman, meaning a woman who has had multiple pregnancies and is over 35.
Therefore, it is important to monitor and manage these risk factors in order to reduce the chances of this condition occurring.