Placenta Previa

During the onset of pregnancy, proper diet and rest do not always ensure the wellness of the mother and child. Any expectant mother can have some abnormal body functions at anytime during the prenatal stage.

Placenta Previa is used to describe a placenta that imbeds very low in a woman's uterus. It can cover a part or even the entire opening of a cervix. During delivery, the cervix normally acts as the channel through which the baby passes.

A placenta connects to the uterus and acts as a guard against possible infections. Although it is said to protect the fetus from any harm, it cannot always filter and distinguish the bad components from the good ones. This is the reason why expectant mothers are advised to eat nutritious food and to stay clear of alcohol, smoke, illicit drugs and many herbal supplements.

The placenta is the organ that connects a mother and a child. It acts as the lifeline and determines the condition of the baby. It supplies blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the growing fetus inside a mother's womb. Along with being responsible for the child's blood supply, the placenta removes waste products and disposes of them through a woman's kidney.

Placenta previa is not a common condition. Only one out of three hundred pregnant women suffer from it. Smokers, cocaine users and women who are over thirty-five years of age during pregnancy are more prone to Placenta previa. It can normally be diagnosed through an ultrasound examination. It commonly occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and can be easily treated. This fact makes it vitally important to watch for any signs of placenta previa, and to seek professional treatment if any of these symptoms arise.