The first episode of bleeding is not life threatening. However, any type of bleeding should be reported to your care provider. Your care provider will want to know the color and amount of bleeding when you call, so keep careful track of how many sanitary napkins you have soaked and bring them with you to either the office or the hospital. If you are diagnosed with a placenta previa it is almost always necessary for you to be hospitalized at some point during your pregnancy. Bleeding can be provoked or be completely spontaneous.
Contractions commonly cause bleeding for mothers with a placenta previa.
Bedrest is the best treatment for preventing contractions as well as avoiding inserting anything into the vagina, including intercourse or a pelvic exam. Your care provider will determine whether it is safe for you to be at bedrest at home or in the hospital. You may encounter a few other routine treatments if you are hospitalized for a placenta previa. Treatment includes having an IV placed in your arm in case you begin to bleed and your care providers need to treat you swiftly and safely. Other treatments include monitoring your baby's heart rate and periodically checking your blood count.