Placenta previa
Symptoms
The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden, painless, and often heavy vaginal bleeding that often occurs near the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. In some cases, there is severe bleeding or hemorrhage. The bleeding may stop on its own but can start again days or weeks later.
There may be uterine cramping with the bleeding. Labor sometimes starts within several days after heavy vaginal bleeding. However, in some cases, bleeding may not occur until after labor starts.
See: Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can diagnose placenta previa with an ultrasound exam.
The uterus is usually soft and relaxed (unless labor has started). In a small number of cases, the infant is in an unusual position.
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