IntroductionPlacenta previa is implantation of the placenta in the lower uterine segment, near or above the internal cervical os, and is usually observed in the third trimester. This tends to occur in 1 in 200 pregnancies and can be caused by many different reasons and there are several different types. Some reasons studied by research include race, ethnicity, and drinking during pregnancy. Placenta previa can be a very scary diagnosis for a pregnant mother, but by knowing what to look for, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible, and following doctors' orders, mothers can give birth safely and have a happy baby. and in good health. Disease Process The placenta shifts as the uterus stretches and grows during pregnancy. Typically, the placenta lies low in the cervix during the first trimester, and as the pregnancy progresses, it should implant closer to the top of the uterus during the third trimester, but sometimes this does not always happen. When the placenta covers the cervix, it is called previa and there are three different forms. The first type is low implantation or marginal previa. The placenta does not cover the opening but lies next to the cervix. The next type is partial and this is when the placenta covers part of the cervical opening. Finally, it's complete; the cervical opening is completely covered by the placenta. Once the mother begins to dilate and efface, hemorrhage or bleeding occurs. Depending on the severity of the previa, vaginal delivery can be very complicated and will most likely result in a cesarean section for the mother. Causes Most often, placenta previa will occur in women who have an abnormally shaped uterus or who have had several history of it. pregnancies. Multiple babies, like two...... middle of paper ...... this is not the case in all types of previa and the doctor will be able to help you make the safest decision for mom and baby. With the support of family, nurses, and doctors, they can make the process of giving birth to a mother with placenta previa just as wonderful and special as any birth.ReferencesAliya, MH, Lynch, O. , Nana, PN, Alio, AP, Wilson, RE, Marty, PJ, . . . Salihu, H.M. (2010). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and risk of placental previa. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 671-675. Kim, A., Caughtney, A., Laguardia, J. and Escobar, G. (2011). Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of placenta previa. Journal of Perinatology, 260-264. Taki, M., Sato, Y., Kazuyokakui, Tatsumi, K., Fujiwara, H., and Konishi, I. (2012). Management of fetal death with placenta previa. Journal of Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 196-199.