Placenta Previa: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa is cared for by an obstetrician, often called an OB-GYN, a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and the female reproductive system. A family doctor or midwife may share care early on, but a low-lying placenta or any bleeding usually means an OB-GYN takes over or helps with the delivery plan.
What it is
Placenta previa is a problem that can happen during pregnancy. The placenta brings food and oxygen from the mother to the baby. In placenta previa, the placenta sits very low in the womb and covers part or all of the opening of the cervix. This can cause bleeding and can change how the baby is delivered.
Symptoms
The most common sign is painless bleeding from the vagina during the second or third trimester. Some women have small bleeds that stop and start again later. Others have no bleeding at all, and the problem is only found on a routine ultrasound.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not always know the exact cause. It is more common in women who have had a cesarean birth, surgery on the womb, or a previous placenta previa. Smoking, being older than 35, and carrying more than one baby also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually find placenta previa on an ultrasound, which shows where the placenta sits in the womb. Doctors avoid checking the cervix by hand, because that can cause bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how much the placenta covers the cervix and whether there is bleeding. If there is no bleeding, the doctor may suggest rest and avoiding sex and hard activity. If the placenta still covers the cervix near the due date, the baby is usually delivered by cesarean birth.
When to see a doctor
Call a doctor right away if you have any bleeding during pregnancy. Get emergency care if the bleeding is heavy, or if you feel dizzy, weak, or have contractions.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works with insurance. Either one can be a helpful first call, and they will refer the patient to an obstetrician when bleeding or a low-lying placenta is found.
Common questions
Does placenta previa go away on its own?
Often it does. As the womb grows, the placenta usually moves away from the cervix. Many cases found early in pregnancy are gone by the third trimester. But some do not move.
Can I have a normal vaginal birth with placenta previa?
If the placenta still covers the cervix near the due date, a cesarean birth is the safe choice. If the placenta is near but not covering the cervix, a vaginal birth may be possible. The doctor will decide based on the scans.
Is it safe to have sex with placenta previa?
Doctors usually advise avoiding sex if the placenta covers the cervix, because it can cause bleeding. Ask the doctor what is safe for your situation.
Can placenta previa hurt the baby?
The main risks are bleeding for the mother and preterm birth, which means the baby is born too early. With good monitoring, many pregnancies end well. But outcomes differ from person to person.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Bleeding During Pregnancy
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Placenta previa
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
