The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Placenta previa that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Source: Diseases DatabaseConditions listing Placenta previa as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Placenta previa. Our database lists the following as having Placenta previa as a symptom of that condition:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Placenta previa may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Placenta previa.
In placenta previa, the placenta may cover all (total, complete, or central), part (partial or incomplete), or a fraction (marginal or low-lying) of the internal cervical os. The degree of placenta previa depends largely on the extent of cervical dilation at the time of examination because the dilating cervix gradually uncovers the placenta. (See Three types of placenta previa.) Although the specific cause of placenta previa is unknown, factors that may affect the site of the placenta’s attachment to the uterine wall include:
❑ defective vascularization of the decidua
❑ multiple pregnancy (the placenta requires a larger surface for attachment)
❑ previous uterine surgery
❑ multiparity
❑ advanced maternal age.
In placenta previa, the uterus’ lower segment fails to provide as much nourishment as the fundus. The placenta tends to spread out, seeking the blood supply it needs, and becomes larger and thinner than normal. Eccentric insertion of the umbilical cord often develops, for unknown reasons. Hemorrhage occurs as the internal cervical os effaces and dilates, tearing the uterine vessels.
This disorder, one of the most common causes of bleeding during the second half of pregnancy, occurs in approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies, more commonly in multigravidas than in primigravidas.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
With placenta previa, the placenta may cover all (total, complete, or central), part (partial or incomplete), or a fraction (margin or low-lying) of the internal cervical os. (See Three types of placenta previa.) The degree of placenta previa depends largely on the extent of cervical dilation at the time of examination because the dilating cervix gradually uncovers the placenta. Although the specific cause of placenta previa is unknown, factors that may affect the site of the placenta’s attachment to the uterine wall include:
❑ defective vascularization of the decidua
❑ multiple pregnancy (the placenta requires a larger surface for attachment)
❑ previous uterine surgery
❑ multiparity
❑ advanced maternal age.
With placenta previa, the lower segment of the uterus fails to provide as much nourishment as the fundus. The placenta tends to spread out, seeking the blood supply it needs, and becomes larger and thinner than normal. For unknown reasons, eccentric insertion of the umbilical cord often develops. Hemorrhage occurs as the internal cervical os effaces and dilates, tearing the uterine vessels.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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