Placenta previa is best described as which condition?

• A. Premature placental separation
• B. Placenta covering cervix
• C. Umbilical cord wrapped around neck
• D. Implantation outside uterus

Answer: (B)

The placenta previa question hinges on where the placenta attaches in relation to the cervix. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus and covers or lies very close to the internal cervical opening. This location blocks the birth canal and typically causes painless vaginal bleeding in the late second to third trimester, because the placenta is near areas that bleed with minimal contractions. Since the os is covered, vaginal delivery is usually not possible, and a cesarean delivery is planned.

This differs from placental abruption, which involves premature separation of a normally implanted placenta and presents with painful bleeding and a tender, firm uterus; a nuchal cord is when the umbilical cord coils around the fetus’s neck; and ectopic pregnancy is implantation outside the uterus. So the description that best fits placenta previa is placenta covering the cervix.