Q: I’m in my second trimester and the doctor suspects I have placenta previa. Will I have to have a C-section?

Dr. Weiss: You might not have to have a surgical delivery—if it turns out you don’t have placenta previa, a condition that causes the placenta to overlap your cervix. As the cervix dilates to allow delivery of the baby, the placenta could tear and bleed, which is why surgical birth is necessary. But the relationship of the placenta to the cervix isn’t as clear in your second trimester as it is close to full term. Once your uterus enlarges, your ob/gyn should be able to tell if you really have placenta previa. If you do, a C-section will be the safest delivery.