What is Placenta previa

According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/Content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02437

What is placenta previa?

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is attached close to or covering the cervix (opening of the uterus). Placenta previa occurs in about one in every 200 live births. There are three types of placenta previa:

• Total placenta previa. The placenta completely covers the cervix.

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• Partial placenta previa. The placenta is partially over the cervix.

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• Marginal placenta previa. The placenta is near the edge of the cervix.

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What causes placenta previa?

The cause of placenta previa is unknown, but it is associated with certain conditions including the following:

• Women who have scarring of the uterine wall from previous pregnancies
• Women who have fibroids or other abnormalities of the uterus
• Women who have had previous uterine surgeries or cesarean deliveries
• Older mothers (over age 35)
• African-American or other minority race mothers
• Cigarette smoking
• Placenta previa in a previous pregnancy
• Being pregnant with a male fetus