Placenta previa usually presents with which symptom?

Placenta previa usually presents with which symptom?

• A. It usually presents with painless vaginal bleeding
• B. Painful bleeding with uterine tenderness
• C. Bright red bleeding with contractions
• D. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Answer: (A)

Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is typical for placenta previa. This happens because the placenta implants low in the uterus, near or over the cervix; as the cervix changes or dilates, blood vessels in the placental area can bleed into the vagina without causing uterine cramping or pain. The uterus is usually non-tender and contractions are not present, which helps differentiate it from conditions like placental abruption, where bleeding is painful and the uterus often tender and rigid. Foul-smelling discharge would point to infection rather than previa. So the key feature is bleeding that is painless.

Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester is typical for placenta previa. This happens because the placenta implants low in the uterus, near or over the cervix; as the cervix changes or dilates, blood vessels in the placental area can bleed into the vagina without causing uterine cramping or pain. The uterus is usually non-tender and contractions are not present, which helps differentiate it from conditions like placental abruption, where bleeding is painful and the uterus often tender and rigid. Foul-smelling discharge would point to infection rather than previa. So the key feature is bleeding that is painless.