On 21/8, Dr. Huynh Vinh Pham Uyen, Deputy Head of the Obstetrics Department at Gia Dinh People's Hospital, reported a patient admitted at 28 weeks due to vaginal bleeding. An ultrasound revealed a central placenta previa, a dangerous obstetric complication that can cause massive bleeding at any time, especially during labor. Despite recommendations from previous doctors to terminate the pregnancy for safety, she sought options to save her baby in TP HCM.

The expectant mother was closely monitored, especially during three emergency hospitalizations for vaginal bleeding. At one point, doctors suspected placenta accreta, an extremely dangerous complication that makes delivery significantly more complex. Thanks to a suitable treatment plan and collaboration among multiple specialists, the pregnancy safely reached 37 weeks. The baby was delivered via cesarean section, bringing immense relief to the family after a long period of anxiety.

"We were terrified each time my wife was hospitalized for bleeding. We're grateful to the doctors for ensuring the safety of both mother and child," the patient's husband said.

Doctors performing the surgery at the hospital in TP HCM. Photo: Quynh Tran

Doctors performing the surgery at the hospital in TP HCM. Photo: Quynh Tran

According to Dr. Uyen, this was a rare and special case. Central placenta previa occurs in only about 0.4-0.5% of pregnancies, or about 4 to 5 in 1,000 cases. Before the cesarean section, doctors held consultations and ruled out placenta accreta. However, had it been present, the hospital was prepared with an intervention plan in collaboration with the Interventional Cardiology Department.

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta attaches abnormally low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. This can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby. Massive bleeding can occur spontaneously and repeatedly, particularly in the third trimester or during labor. Rapid blood loss can cause shock, circulatory failure, and endanger the mother's life.

Postpartum hemorrhage is also a risk due to bleeding from the placental attachment site. Premature birth is common in these cases due to bleeding necessitating early delivery or uterine stimulation. The risk of placenta accreta is significantly higher, especially in women with previous cesarean sections, making placental detachment difficult and leading to uncontrolled bleeding. In many cases, a hysterectomy is necessary to save the mother's life due to severe postpartum bleeding.

Expectant mothers should attend regular prenatal checkups and undergo ultrasound screenings, especially during the second and third trimesters. Cases of placenta previa, particularly placenta accreta, should be monitored and treated in hospitals equipped with comprehensive obstetrics, anesthesiology, neonatology, and vascular intervention departments.

Le Phuong