Question

Which of the following is true about placenta previa.

A) The bleeding from placenta previa usually occurs late in pregnancy at term.
B) In evaluating the bleeding, a vaginal exam would be done to determine the cause of the bleeding.
C) Symptoms of placenta previa are painful frequent contractions and bright red vaginal bleeding
D) Once placenta previa is diagnosed by a 20 week ultrasound, it is very likely the placenta previa will resolve in the third trimester.

Answer 1

The correct statement about placenta previa is that when it is diagnosed by a 20-week ultrasound, it is very likely to resolve in the third trimester. Placenta previa involves the placenta covering the cervix, causing potential bleeding, and is identified by ultrasound rather than a vaginal exam to prevent further bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Which of the following is true about placenta previa? The correct answer is D) Once placenta previa is diagnosed by a 20-week ultrasound, it is very likely the placenta previa will resolve in the third trimester.

Placenta previa occurs when an embryo implants close to the internal os of the uterus, which can result in the placenta partially or completely covering the cervix. This condition, occurring in about 0.5 percent of pregnancies, can lead to antepartum hemorrhage, which is profuse vaginal bleeding after week 24 of pregnancy but before childbirth. In most cases, placenta previa diagnosed in the second trimester resolves as the uterus expands and the placenta moves away from the cervix.

A common misconception is that a vaginal exam should be performed to determine the cause of bleeding in cases of suspected placenta previa. However, this could exacerbate the bleeding and is not the standard of care. Ultrasound is the preferred method for diagnosing this condition.