Which combination best differentiates placental abruption from placenta previa?

Which combination best differentiates placental abruption from placenta previa?

• A. Abrupt onset vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain; previa: painless vaginal bleeding
• B. Abruption: painless bleeding; previa: sudden abdominal pain
• C. Abruption: heavy painless bleeding; previa: mild bleeding
• D. Abruption: no bleeding; previa: heavy bleeding

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing placental abruption from placenta previa is based on whether the bleeding is painful or painless. Placental abruption classically presents with vaginal bleeding that is painful, often accompanied by uterine tenderness and contractions. Placenta previa, on the other hand, typically causes vaginal bleeding that is painless, with a relaxed uterus. So the best choice describes abrupt onset vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain for abruption and painless vaginal bleeding for previa. Other options misstate the presence of pain or the absence of bleeding relative to the condition, which doesn’t fit the usual presentations.

Distinguishing placental abruption from placenta previa is based on whether the bleeding is painful or painless.

Placental abruption classically presents with vaginal bleeding that is painful, often accompanied by uterine tenderness and contractions. Placenta previa, on the other hand, typically causes vaginal bleeding that is painless, with a relaxed uterus.

So the best choice describes abrupt onset vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain for abruption and painless vaginal bleeding for previa. Other options misstate the presence of pain or the absence of bleeding relative to the condition, which doesn’t fit the usual presentations.