Placenta previa is best described by which statement?

Placenta previa is best described by which statement?

• A. The placenta implants in the lower uterine segment
• B. The placenta implants high in the uterine body
• C. The placenta causes painful vaginal bleeding
• D. The placenta is associated with abnormal placental adherence

Answer: (A)

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment near the cervix, often covering part or all of the internal os. This location explains why many cases present with painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester—the placenta is close to the birth canal and can be disrupted by cervical changes or contractions without causing pain. Placing the placenta high in the uterine body would not be placenta previa, and painful vaginal bleeding points to placental abruption, not previa. Abnormal placental adherence describes placenta accreta spectrum, a different condition. So, the statement that best describes placenta previa is implantation in the lower uterine segment near the cervix.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment near the cervix, often covering part or all of the internal os. This location explains why many cases present with painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester—the placenta is close to the birth canal and can be disrupted by cervical changes or contractions without causing pain. Placing the placenta high in the uterine body would not be placenta previa, and painful vaginal bleeding points to placental abruption, not previa. Abnormal placental adherence describes placenta accreta spectrum, a different condition. So, the statement that best describes placenta previa is implantation in the lower uterine segment near the cervix.