About Placenta Previa
Key Highlights
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Enables early diagnosis and monitoring of a potentially serious pregnancy complication.Allows for a planned, controlled delivery (typically cesarean section) to avoid emergency situations.Significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage for the mother during labor.Improves neonatal outcomes by allowing for optimal timing of delivery to maximize fetal maturity.Involves a multidisciplinary team approach for comprehensive maternal and fetal care.
Who is this surgery for?
- Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
- Diagnosis via ultrasound showing the placenta covering or lying very close to the internal cervical os.
- Persistent placenta previa identified in the third trimester after an earlier diagnosis.
- As a precaution for any pregnant patient with risk factors (e.g., previous C-section, multiple pregnancies, advanced maternal age).
- When vaginal delivery is contraindicated due to placental position, necessitating a cesarean section.
How to prepare
- Detailed ultrasound (transabdominal and often transvaginal) to confirm diagnosis and map placental location.
- Regular monitoring of fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs.
- Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia and assess blood reserve.
- Discussion of blood transfusion consent due to the risk of significant bleeding.
- Administration of corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity if delivery is anticipated before 37 weeks.
- Counseling on pelvic rest (avoiding intercourse, douching, and strenuous activity).
- Planning for hospital admission if bleeding occurs or as delivery nears.
Risks & possible complications
- Severe antepartum or postpartum hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion.
- Emergency cesarean delivery if bleeding becomes uncontrollable.
- Placenta accreta spectrum (abnormal placental attachment), especially with a prior cesarean scar.
- Preterm birth and associated complications for the newborn.
- Maternal anemia and need for iron supplementation or transfusion.
- Risk of infection following cesarean delivery.
- Rarely, hysterectomy may be necessary if bleeding cannot be controlled.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery post-cesarean delivery typically involves 2-4 days in the hospital for monitoring.
- Pain management with prescribed medications to aid mobility and comfort.
- Monitoring for signs of postpartum hemorrhage or infection, such as fever or heavy bleeding.
- Encouragement of early, gentle movement to prevent blood clots, with guidance on avoiding heavy lifting.
- Continued management of anemia with iron supplements and a nutrient-rich diet.
- Emotional support and screening for postpartum mood disorders, as the experience can be stressful.
- Follow-up appointment with the obstetrician to check incision healing and overall recovery.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering placenta previa in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for placenta previa in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform placenta previa. MediFyr helps you compare obstetrics and gynaecologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for placenta previa compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Placenta Previa in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated obstetrics and gynaecology teams and experience managing patients undergoing placenta previa.
Sneha Verma, a 32-year-old software engineer,...
Sneha Verma, a 32-year-old software engineer, was expecting her first child after years of trying. Her pregnancy had been smooth until the 20-week anatomy scan. She had experienced no symptoms, but the routine ultrasound revealed a complete placenta previa, where the placenta completely covered her cervix. Her obstetrician, Dr. Rao, explained the diagnosis with calm clarity. She recommended strict pelvic rest, no heavy lifting, and close monitoring. Sneha was terrified, mourning the loss of the active, normal pregnancy she had envisioned. At 36 weeks, after a minor bleed, Dr. Rao scheduled a planned cesarean section. The surgery was calm and controlled. Sneha delivered a healthy baby boy. Her recovery in the hospital was closely managed, with careful monitoring for bleeding. The emotional relief was immense. While she processed some disappointment about the surgical birth, her overwhelming feeling was gratitude for the careful planning that kept her and her son safe. She bonded deeply with her baby, her fear replaced by a fierce, protective love.
Obstetrics and Gynaecologists for Placenta Previa
Explore experienced obstetrics and gynaecologists who regularly perform placenta previa and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 29 Years Experience
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 27 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
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- 16 Years Experience
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- 13 Years Experience
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- 13 Years Experience
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- 30 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore