a pregnancy complication, usually signaled by painless vaginal bleeding, in which the placenta partly or completely covers the cervix, so that when the cervix dilates, or during labor, it can tear and bleed. A cesarean delivery is often necessary to prevent a serious maternal or infant hemorrhage.  This may be life-threatening to mother and baby.

is a term used when the placenta implants over or near the cervix. The placenta may completely or partially cover the cervix. Placenta previa is not uncommon and occurs in about 1 in 200 deliveries. Placenta previa is more common in women who have had more than one pregnancy or have abnormalities of the uterus.

a condition in which your placenta is positioned low in your uterus and partially or completely covers your cervix. If this condition exists, your OB/GYN may recommend a C-section.

an abnormal implantation of the placenta at or near the internal opening of the uterine cervix so that it tends to precede the child at birth usually causing severe maternal or fetal hemorrhage

A condition that occurs when the placenta implants itself in the lower part of the uterus, blocking the cervical opening to the vagina.

placenta is attached close to or covering the cervix (opening into the uterus).

pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower part of the uterus (instead of the upper part); can cause bleeding late in pregnancy; delivery by cesarean section may be necessary

A condition in which the placenta is located in the lower portion of the uterus, extending to or covering part or all of the internal os.

Blocking placenta. The placenta lies over the internal cervix covering the passage the baby needs to take to be born.

when the placenta is partially or completely covering the cervix. Unless the placenta moves upward, a cesarean birth is necessary.

When the placenta (afterbirth) is located near or over the birth canal which may cause vaginal bleeding. For more information see the Factsheet on Placenta Previa.

abnormal location of the placenta in the lower part of the uterus, near or over the cervix.

Usually discovered in late pregnancy. The placenta lies low in the uterus, causing the opening of the uterus to be partially or completely covered. Click here for more information.

A condition in which the placenta lies very low in the uterus so that the opening of the uterus is partially or completely covered; may require a C-section

a condition that occurs when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus and obstructs the cervical outlet to the vagina.

The location of the placenta at or near the internal opening of the cervix. If the placenta is located near the opening of the cervix, severe bleeding can occur during delivery.

A pregnancy-related condition in which the placenta is attached too low onthe uterine wall, fully or partially covering the opening of the uterus. The condition can cause hemorrhaging in late pregnancy or make vaginal delivery impossible.

low implantation of the placenta covering the cervical os

A condition in which the placenta attaches too low in the uterus, fully or partially covering the cervix. The condition can cause bleeding during pregnancy or make vaginal delivery impossible.

a condition in which the placenta is located over the cervix, creating a risk of hemorrhage during labor and delivery. Such pregnancies can usually be delivered safely through cesarean section.

A condition where the placenta is adjacent to or blocks the cervix.

Positioning of the placenta over the opening to the birth canal so that separation usually precedes the infant's birth. This is an important cause of painless third-trimester bleeding.

This condition is usually discovered in late pregnancy. The placenta lies very low in the uterus, so that the opening of the uterus is partially or completely covered.

the placenta moves out of its normal position and covers all or part of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Placenta previa can cause abnormal bleeding, early separation of the placenta from the uterus, premature birth, or the need for an emergency cesarean section delivery.

Improper placement/implantation of the placenta at term, where the placenta either partially or completely covers the cervix, instead of moving to the top of the uterus by the end of the third trimester. Placenta previa can either be marginal, partial, or complete, and often necessitates a cesarean delivery.

A condition in which the placenta lies very low in the uterus, thereby partially or completely covering the cervix.

A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, hindering vaginal delivery.