The treatment of placenta previa depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of vaginal bleeding
• Whether bleeding has stopped
• Age of fetus
• Mother’s health
• Health of the fetus
• Position of fetus and placenta

In cases of marginal placenta previa or where women experience little or no bleeding, some women may be permitted to stay home and be treated with bed rest. Others may be required to be admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Requirements of bed rest vary among individuals. Some women may be required to remain lying in bed, sitting and standing only when necessary. Others may be permitted to sit and stand more frequently, but are required to limit overall activity, such as housework and heavy lifting.

Women on bed rest should avoid sexual intercourse, exercise and vaginal examinations because these activities can cause heavy bleeding. It is also recommended that women on bed rest continue with regular physician visits for continued monitoring of the condition.

Most women with placenta previa will need to have a Caesarean section (removal of the fetus through an incision made into the uterus and usually through the abdominal wall) to deliver the baby. If the placenta is not covering the cervix, some women may be permitted to attempt a vaginal delivery. However, if heavy bleeding occurs during the vaginal delivery, a C-section may be necessary to protect the health of the mother and her baby.

Women experiencing more severe bleeding are often required to stay in the hospital until they can safely deliver the baby. In addition, women who experience severe blood loss may need a blood transfusion to replace the lost blood. Due to the increased risk of excessive blood loss, patients may choose to a have family member or friend donate blood beforehand in case a transfusion is needed as they may feel more comfortable receiving blood from someone they know (directed donor blood).  

Physicians usually attempt to manage the condition until a woman has reached 36 weeks of pregnancy, after which a C-section is planned. If bleeding starts and cannot be controlled or a problem with the baby’s heart rate is detected, an emergency C-section may be performed even if the baby is premature.

Women with placenta previa may be treated with a corticosteroid medication (a drug that helps speed the development of the fetus’ lungs). This helps improve the fetus’ survival rate outside the womb. At 36 weeks of pregnancy, a physician may perform an amniocentesis (a test in which fluid is removed from the amniotic sac with a needle and syringe inserted through a pregnant woman’s abdomen) to determine whether the baby’s lungs are mature. If the lungs are mature, a C-section may be performed at this point of the pregnancy.

Placenta previa cannot be prevented, but women can lower their risk by refraining from smoking or using cocaine. In addition, proper prenatal care is important for both the mother and the baby. Women who experience bleeding during pregnancy should contact a physician immediately. Early detection of the condition can reduce the risk of complications to the mother and child.