Placenta previa typically presents with which type of vaginal bleeding?

Placenta previa typically presents with which type of vaginal bleeding?

• A. Painful vaginal bleeding in third trimester
• B. Painless vaginal bleeding in third trimester
• C. Vaginal discharge only
• D. No bleeding

Answer: (B)

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus, covering or near the cervix. This location means bleeding can occur as the cervix changes or the lower uterine segment stretches, but without triggering significant uterine contractions, so the bleeding is typically painless. That’s why the hallmark is painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. In contrast, placental abruption causes painful bleeding with abdominal tenderness and contractions, and bleeding that isn’t painless. The other options don’t fit because they either describe discharge without bleeding or no bleeding at all.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants low in the uterus, covering or near the cervix. This location means bleeding can occur as the cervix changes or the lower uterine segment stretches, but without triggering significant uterine contractions, so the bleeding is typically painless. That’s why the hallmark is painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. In contrast, placental abruption causes painful bleeding with abdominal tenderness and contractions, and bleeding that isn’t painless. The other options don’t fit because they either describe discharge without bleeding or no bleeding at all.