P02: Fetus and newborn affected by complications of placenta, cord and membranes

P02.0: Fetus and newborn affected by placenta praevia

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord.

The placenta usually lies in the upper part of the womb. The placenta may lie in the lower part of the womb, above the mouth of the womb. The placenta may then cover the mouth of the womb, either partly or completely. The mouth of the womb opens out from the womb to the vagina.

If the placenta is lying above the mouth of the womb, there may be bleeding from the placenta. The child can then suffer from heavy bleeding. If there is heavy bleeding, the child can lose a lot of blood. As a result, it may no longer get enough oxygen. The child's heart may then beat more slowly than usual. If the child does not get an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, it may not grow normally in the womb.

If the placenta is lying above the mouth of the womb, the birth may be premature. The child is then born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. A premature birth can also harm the child's health.