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Placenta Praevia
When bleeding does occur later in pregnancy, problems with the
placenta are most likely the cause. Placenta praevia - 'a low lying
placenta' - is a condition whereby the placenta grows over the cervix, blocking the baby's
exit. The most common sign is painless bleeding at around 20 weeks
of pregnancy, but spotting can occur earlier. If the placenta
completely covers the opening, or severe bleeding occurs a Caesarean
section will be necessary.
The possibility of the condition
increases with each pregnancy from about 1 in 1,500 first
pregnancies to about 1 in 20 after many pregnancies.
This condition is often diagnosed by ultrasound
and treated with
complete bed rest and careful monitoring.
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