Placenta praevia is a group of obstetric conditions characterized by the unnatural low placement of the placenta in the uterus. The placenta, which is normally situated in the upper part of the uterus, provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. In placenta praevia, its position near or over the cervical opening can cause problems, particularly bleeding, as the cervix begins to open in preparation for labor. There are various degrees of this condition, ranging from marginal, where the placenta is close to, but not covering the cervix, to complete, where the cervix is totally covered. Common symptoms include painless bleeding in the latter part of pregnancy, but sometimes there are no evident symptoms. It's unclear why placenta praevia occurs, but factors like having a previous uterine surgery or being older can increase the risk. While not directly harmful to the baby, complications from bleeding can pose serious risks.
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