Placenta previa presents with which symptom?

Placenta previa presents with which symptom?

• A. Placental abruption
• B. Placenta previa
• C. Ectopic pregnancy
• D. Uterine rupture

Answer: (D)

Placenta previa presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy. The placenta is located near or over the cervical os, so mild cervical dilation or irritation can cause bleeding without causing pain or a tender, rigid uterus. This painless bleeding is the hallmark distinguishing feature. By comparison, placental abruption — bleeding with a painful, tender uterus and possible fetal distress — and ectopic pregnancy — abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding and a positive pregnancy test — have different signs. Uterine rupture typically causes sudden, severe abdominal pain with fetal distress and maternal instability.

Placenta previa presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the late stages of pregnancy. The placenta is located near or over the cervical os, so mild cervical dilation or irritation can cause bleeding without causing pain or a tender, rigid uterus. This painless bleeding is the hallmark distinguishing feature.

By comparison, placental abruption — bleeding with a painful, tender uterus and possible fetal distress — and ectopic pregnancy — abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding and a positive pregnancy test — have different signs. Uterine rupture typically causes sudden, severe abdominal pain with fetal distress and maternal instability.