Which symptom describes placenta previa?

Which symptom describes placenta previa?

• A. Painless vaginal bleeding, ultrasound shows placenta covering cervical os
• B. Sudden vaginal bleeding with abdominal pain
• C. Intermittent pain with contractions
• D. Frequent uterine contractions

Answer: (A)

Placenta previa presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. The bleeding occurs without uterine tenderness or contractions because the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervical os, rather than detaching due to uterine contractions. Ultrasound showing the placenta covering the cervical os confirms the diagnosis. This painless bleeding pattern helps distinguish it from placental abruption, which causes sudden, painful bleeding with abdominal pain and a tender, often contracting uterus. In previa, avoid vaginal examinations until placenta location is known to prevent provoke heavy bleeding, and use ultrasound to guide diagnosis and planning, often with cesarean delivery if the previa persists or bleeding recurs.

Placenta previa presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. The bleeding occurs without uterine tenderness or contractions because the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervical os, rather than detaching due to uterine contractions. Ultrasound showing the placenta covering the cervical os confirms the diagnosis. This painless bleeding pattern helps distinguish it from placental abruption, which causes sudden, painful bleeding with abdominal pain and a tender, often contracting uterus. In previa, avoid vaginal examinations until placenta location is known to prevent provoke heavy bleeding, and use ultrasound to guide diagnosis and planning, often with cesarean delivery if the previa persists or bleeding recurs.