Placenta previa location involves which of the following?

• A. The placenta covers the opening of the uterus
• B. The placenta detaches from the uterus
• C. The placenta implants on the lower uterine segment but not over the opening
• D. The placenta attaches to the fundus

Answer: (A)

Placenta previa is when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus and covers the cervical opening (the internal os). This location blocks the usual exit for the baby and leads to painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. Because the os is involved, vaginal delivery can be dangerous, so cesarean delivery is often planned if previa is present at term. Diagnosis is typically by ultrasound, and management focuses on monitoring, pelvic rest, and preparing for potential bleeding or delivery.

The other scenarios describe different conditions: a placental detachment from the uterus is placental abruption and presents with painful bleeding and uterine tenderness; a placenta positioned in the lower segment but not covering the opening is a low-lying or marginal placenta (not placenta previa as defined by covering the os); and a placenta attaching to the fundus is a normal high- implantation location.