Women who experience bleeding due to placenta previa can expect any (or all) of the following treatments:
Bed rest
An intravenous (IV) cannula
Regular monitoring of the baby's health
Ultrasound
Elective Caesarean
Induction of labour
Internal vaginal examination in the operating theatre
Injection of anti-D immunoglobulin
Other treatments
Bed rest. Your caregiver may suggest stopping work and resting at home if the bleeding is light and the grade of placenta previa is not severe. If the placenta previa is major and/or the bleeding has been heavy, admission to hospital may be required. Ideally the hospital would have obstetric doctors onsite and facilities to perform an emergency Caesarean operation if this was required relatively quickly. Some research studies question the need for admission to hospital in cases where the woman has not bled yet, or the bleeding has been minimal. The general recommendation is that these women be allowed to stay at home.
An intravenous (IV) cannula. If admitted to hospital, you may have an intravenous (IV) cannula placed in your arm. This is in case fluids need to be given through the vein with a drip if the bleeding becomes heavy. A cannula is a small, plastic tube inserted with a needle into the vein, with the tube left in place and the needle being removed. The cannula is taped securely with about 1 to 2 centimetres of the capped end sitting out of the skin. Cannulas are normally covered with a plastic dressing, so you can use the bath or shower. Sterile salt water is injected by the caregiver through the cannula every 4 to 6 hours, to keep the cannula clear of blood clots, so it remains usable in an emergency.
If the woman experiences a heavy bleed, she may be given fluids through her vein, in severe case, a blood transfusion may be required. The cannula can also be used if an emergency Caesarean operation is needed.