Does placenta previa cause preterm birth?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 01, 2025
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When a placenta previa occurs, it is likely to lead to premature birth. Placenta previa is a condition where, after 28 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is positioned low in the uterus, often below the presenting part of the fetus, and attaches to the lower segment of the uterus or near the internal os of the cervix. In the late stages of pregnancy, dilation of the cervix can cause the placenta to be misaligned with the uterine wall, leading to recurrent, painless bleeding. When the bleeding reaches a certain amount, it can easily lead to premature separation of the placenta, inducing uterine contractions and the onset of premature birth. In cases of placenta previa with significant vaginal bleeding, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What does it feel like when the cervix opens prematurely?

Under normal circumstances, if preterm labor is already confirmed and the cervix is fully dilated, it is generally considered inevitable and preparations for the active resuscitation of the newborn should be made. Typically, if the cervix is fully dilated due to preterm labor, regular abdominal pain may first occur along with discomfort in the lower abdomen, indicating strong uterine contractions. After the uterus contracts, this leads to continuous dilation of the cervix until it expands to ten centimeters. Once fully dilated, the next steps in treatment are carried out, closely monitoring the condition of the premature infant after birth and providing symptomatic medication if necessary.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is low amniotic fluid likely to lead to premature birth?

During pregnancy, if there is a reduction in amniotic fluid, it is easy for premature delivery to occur. Insufficient amniotic fluid can cause fetal hypoxia in the uterus, which may lead to frequent fetal movements and stimulate uterine contractions, resulting in premature birth. When there is a reduction in amniotic fluid, it is important to replenish it in a timely manner. This can be done by drinking more water, intravenous fluid infusion, or directly injecting saline into the amniotic cavity. To determine the best method to replenish the amniotic fluid, it is advisable to seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor and to closely monitor changes in fetal heart rate and movements.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is premature birth hereditary?

Premature birth is not hereditary. There are many causes of premature birth, including reasons associated with the pregnant woman herself, such as hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, as well as concurrent conditions like chronic nephritis and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to premature birth. Additionally, premature birth can be caused by a relaxed cervix, poor uterine development, congenital uterine malformations, and uterine fibroids. Furthermore, trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy, long-distance and prolonged travel, fatigue, and excessive emotional fluctuations can also lead to premature birth. Therefore, these factors related to premature birth are not associated with genetics.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What are the causes of premature birth?

Preterm birth refers to delivery between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. Due to the lighter weight and lower maturity of the fetus at this stage, the survival rate of newborns is often reduced. The causes of preterm birth include the following aspects: First, the presence of vaginal inflammation can easily lead to premature rupture of membranes, which in turn triggers contractions and can lead to preterm labor. Second, in twin or multiple pregnancies, the increased irritability of the uterine wall can easily cause spontaneous contractions, which in turn lead to preterm labor. Third, an excess of amniotic fluid can increase the pressure inside the amniotic cavity, easily stimulating spontaneous uterine contractions or premature rupture of membranes. Additionally, if the cervical canal is congenitally short, or if there has been previous cervical surgery, this can also easily lead to preterm labor.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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How is preterm birth defined?

Premature birth means that the gestational period is not yet complete, and the baby is born before reaching full term, which is called preterm birth. Specifically, this ranges from more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of premature infants, their organ functions are relatively poor. Therefore, caring for premature infants can be more challenging, often requiring pediatric care and enhanced nursing. Moreover, there are more complications, so it is important to try to prevent premature births as much as possible.