Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Placenta previa is the most common cause of painless bleeding in the
later
stages of pregnancy (after the 20th week). The placenta is a temporary organ
that joins the mother and fetus and transfers oxygen and nutrients from the
mother to the fetus. The placenta is disk-shaped and at full term measures about
seven inches in diameter. The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus.
Placenta previa is a complication that results from the placenta implanting
either near to, or overlying, the outlet of the uterus (womb).
Because the placenta is rich in blood vessels, if it is implanted near the
outlet of the uterus (the opening of the cervix), bleeding can occur when the
cervix dilates or stretches.
What are the types of placenta previa?
The types of placenta previa include:
Complete placenta previa occurs when the placenta completely covers the opening from
the womb to the cervix.
Partial placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially covers the
cervical opening
Marginal placenta previa occurs when the placenta is located adjacent to,
but not covering, the cervical opening.
The term low-lying placenta or low placenta has been used to refer both to
placenta previa and marginal placenta previa. Sometimes, the terms anterior
placenta previa and posterior placenta previa are used to further define the
exact position of the placenta within the uterus as defined by ultrasound
examinations.
Who is at risk for placenta previa?
Placenta previa is found in approximately four out of every 1000 pregnancies
beyond the 20th week of gestation. Asian women are at a slightly greater risk
for placenta previa than are women of other races, although the reason for this
is unclear. It has also been observed that women carrying male fetuses are at
slightly greater risk for placenta previa than are women carrying female
fetuses.
The risk of having placenta previa also increases with increasing maternal
age and with the number of previous births. Women who have had placenta previa
in one pregnancy also have a greater risk for having placenta previa in
subsequent pregnancies.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Infertility is the diminished ability to conceive a child. The primary cause of infertility in men is a sperm disorder. In women, the primary cause of infertility is an ovulation disorder. Most forms of infertility can be treated. Conventional infertility therapies include drugs or surgery.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
Women experience and tolerate pain differently. For some pregnant women, focused breathing is all they need to get through labor and childbirth; but for others, numbing of the pain is desired.
There are a number of different medications a woman can take during labor and childbirth. It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available. Please discuss the options with your health care provider well before your "birth day" so that when you are in labor you understand the choices.
Reproductive health encompasses the beginning of menstruation for women, choosing the right birth control method for you and your partner, preventing contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and for women, ending with the menopausal transition.
Everyone expects pregnancy to bring an expanding waistline. But many women
are surprised by the other body changes that pop-up. Get the low-down on stretch
marks, weight gain, heartburn and other "joys" of pregnancy. Find out what you
can do to feel better.
Body Changes
Aches, pains, and backaches
As your uterus expands pains in
the back, abdomen, groin area, and thighs
often appear. Many women also have backaches and aching near the pelvic bone due
the pressure of the baby's head, increased weight, and loosening joints.
To ease some of these aches and pains try:
Lying down
Resting
Applying heat
If you are worried or the pains do not get better, call your doctor.
Breast Changes
A woman's breasts increase in size and fullness during
pregnancy. As the due date approaches, hormone changes will cause your breasts
...