In cases of placental previa, which complication is mothers particularly prone to experience during delivery?

In cases of placental previa, mothers are particularly prone to experience postpartum hemorrhage during delivery. This condition occurs when the placenta is located low in the uterus and covers the cervix, which can lead to significant bleeding, especially if the cervix begins to dilate or if contractions start.

During delivery, if the placenta detaches or if any procedures such as manual rotation or intervention are required, the integrity of the placental blood vessels is compromised, resulting in a higher risk of hemorrhage. This can be critical since postpartum hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The risk is particularly elevated if the delivery is vaginal, as the force involved can exacerbate the bleeding.

While other complications, such as preterm labor or fetal distress, can also occur in cases of placental previa, they are not as directly tied to the process of delivery as postpartum hemorrhage is. Gestational hypertension, while a separate concern during pregnancy, doesn’t have the same direct association with placental previa in the context of delivery complications. Thus, postpartum hemorrhage stands out as the most significant risk during delivery in cases of this condition.