If placenta previa covers the os, what delivery method is often required?

If placenta previa covers the os, what delivery method is often required?

• A. Vaginal delivery with episiotomy
• B. Cesarean delivery if placenta covers the os
• C. Induction of labor at term
• D. External cephalic version

Answer: (B)

Placenta previa means the placenta is implanted in the lower uterus near or over the cervical opening. When it covers the os, labor would force the placenta to separate through the cervix, causing heavy, potentially life-threatening maternal bleeding. Because of this, vaginal delivery is not safe and a cesarean delivery is typically planned before labor begins to protect both mother and baby. Inducing labor or attempting to turn the baby wouldn’t fix the placental position and could trigger dangerous bleeding, and an episiotomy during vaginal birth doesn’t address the placental obstruction. Only if the placenta migrates away from the os and the birth canal is unobstructed could vaginal delivery be considered; otherwise, cesarean is the preferred approach.

Placenta previa means the placenta is implanted in the lower uterus near or over the cervical opening. When it covers the os, labor would force the placenta to separate through the cervix, causing heavy, potentially life-threatening maternal bleeding. Because of this, vaginal delivery is not safe and a cesarean delivery is typically planned before labor begins to protect both mother and baby. Inducing labor or attempting to turn the baby wouldn’t fix the placental position and could trigger dangerous bleeding, and an episiotomy during vaginal birth doesn’t address the placental obstruction. Only if the placenta migrates away from the os and the birth canal is unobstructed could vaginal delivery be considered; otherwise, cesarean is the preferred approach.