What should you know about placenta previa type 1?

Type 1 is commonly used for a placenta positioned in the lower part of the uterus without covering the cervical opening. Terminology can differ between hospitals, so the exact distance from the cervix on your scan is more useful than the label alone.

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands and the placental edge may be farther from the cervix. Some people have no symptoms. Others notice vaginal bleeding, particularly as the lower uterus and cervix change. Bleeding may be painless, which is why it should not be judged by discomfort alone.

Attend every recommended ultrasound and ask when the next review is due. Ask your maternity clinician which activities, travel plans, intercourse or vaginal examinations should be avoided in your circumstances, especially if you have already bled. Keep sanitary pads and your hospital contact details accessible so you can describe a new episode clearly.

If later imaging shows that the placenta remains too close to the cervix for vaginal birth, your team may recommend Caesarean Section. A Growth Scan can monitor the baby when your clinicians consider it appropriate.

Call your maternity unit immediately for vaginal bleeding, even if it is a small amount or has stopped. Seek emergency help for bleeding that is heavy or increasing, dizziness, fainting, severe pain, contractions or reduced fetal movement. Tell the team how many pads you used, whether clots were present and whether you have pain. Do not place anything inside the vagina while waiting for advice.

Ask your clinician: How close is the placental edge to the cervix? Does our hospital use type 1 in a particular way? When should the position be rescanned? What symptoms change my plan? Should I modify sex, exercise or travel? If the placenta stays low, how would Caesarean Section be scheduled?