Final answer:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix partially or completely, leading to potential complications including significant bleeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term placenta previa refers to a condition where the placenta implants in the lower uterus and can partially or completely cover the cervix, potentially leading to complications like antepartum hemorrhage. Normally, the placenta is located in the fundus or the posterior wall of the uterus, where it can best support the fetus's growth and development. However, when an embryo implants near the internal os, or the internal opening of the cervix, placenta previa can occur. This condition is the leading cause of bleeding in the latter stages of pregnancy and is diagnosed via ultrasound imaging.