Etymed
placenta previa
Definition
A condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening (cervix) during pregnancy, potentially causing bleeding and complications during delivery
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman at 34 weeks gestation presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. She has no abdominal pain or uterine tenderness. On examination, the fetal heart tones are normal and the fetus is in a vertex presentation. A digital rectal exam is performed and the cervix is found to be closed with the placenta covering the cervical os. An ultrasound confirms the diagnosis of placenta previa. The patient is managed conservatively with bed rest and close monitoring.
Mnemonic
Painless bleeding in late pregnancy - Placenta PREVIA covers cervix