Placenta Previa

Causes

The causes and risk factors for placenta previa are:

• The fertilized egg implanted very low in the uterus, causing the placenta to form close to or over the cervical opening.
• The lining of the uterus (endometrium) has abnormalities such as fibroids or scarring (from previous previa, incisions, cesarean sections or abortions).
• The placenta formed abnormally.
• The pregnancy is multiple, i.e., twins or triplets. The chances of developing placenta previa are doubled for these pregnancies.
• The mother may has had several previous pregnancies. The chances of developing placenta previa is increased to 1 in 20 for women who have had 6 or more pregnancies.
• The mother smokes or uses cocaine. Smoking and cocaine use can increase the risk of this condition.
• The mother is older. The risk of developing placenta previa is 3 times greater in women over 30 years of age than in women under 20 years of age.