WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PLACENTAL PROBLEMS?

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. It can cause varying degrees of vaginal bleeding and deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients. Early delivery may be required. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix and can cause severe vaginal bleeding before or during delivery. A c-section delivery might be required. Placenta accreta occurs when the blood vessels of the placenta grow too deeply into the uterine wall. It can cause vaginal bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy and severe blood loss after delivery. A c-section delivery followed by an abdominal hysterectomy may be required. Retained placenta happens if the placenta isn’t delivered within 30 to 60 minutes after childbirth. Left untreated, a retained placenta can cause severe infection or lifethreatening blood loss in the mother.