Placenta Previa & Subchorionic Hematoma: Understanding Risks & Options

Question
My girlfriend is a lil over 12 weeks pregnant and just had an ultrasound for bleeding off and on.We were informed that she has complete placenta previa and also placenta is coming away from the uterus which has caused a blood collection called subchorionic something or other.We are very scared to go on with the pregnancy as we have been informed of all the risks to her that come along with this condition.They explained that full previa is dangerous.We want to know if it is safe to terminate the pregnancy at this point or is that also dangerous to her health and what type of procedure would be best in the termination.Can she go to a regular abortion clinic or does she need this done in a hospital?Does she need to be opened up like a c section to terminate it or can regular abortion methods be used?Please help us as we are very concerned about her health.

Answer
She has two conditions going on. A "subchorionic hematoma" is merely a sequestration of blood withihn the folds of the developing placenta. This causes bleeding but it dissipates on its own and does not cause any harm to the baby. The baby can grow well and deliver normally.  A "total placenta previa" is a condition where the placenta situates itself on top of the cervix and, if it does not move away, you would have to deliver by cesarean section. In most cases, the placenta moves away from the cervix after 22 weeks (you would follow this with sonograms until it does move away). Once it is no longer covering the cervix, you will have no problem. There is no reason to terminate the pregnancy for either of these conditions, since thay both disappear in most cases. A subchorionic hematoma does not cause any harm at all. If a placenta previa moves away, it also will not cause any problems. If, during the pregnahcy, you have bleeding, we usually just keep up with the blood. The baby is fine. If you want to terminate the pregnancy for another reason, an abortion can be done, but I would prefer it were done in a hospital.It still can be done via D&C. You do not need a cesarean unless you are delivering the baby and want to avoid  risks of bleeding. At 12 weeks, there is no harm to a D&C. I would not terminate the pregnancy based on either of these conditions.