Placenta previa ultrasound case study
Case Study Record
| SN | Case Name | Report Line |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-lying placenta | View Report Line |
| 2 | Marginal previa (Posterior) | View Report Line |
| 3 | Partial previa | View Report Line |
| 4 | Complet previa | View Report Line |
| 5 | - | - |
CASE–1
Low-Lying Placenta
Low-Lying Placenta
Clinical History
A 30-year-old pregnant female at 30 weeks of gestation presented with painless vaginal spotting. Obstetric ultrasound was requested to assess placental location and fetal well-being. There was no history of abdominal trauma or uterine contractions.
Ultrasound Findings
Ultrasound examination demonstrates a single live intrauterine fetus with appropriate cardiac activity. The placenta is located along the lower uterine segment, with the placental edge lying approximately 1.5 cm from the internal cervical os. The placenta does not cover the os. Placental echotexture is homogeneous without evidence of retroplacental hematoma or placental abruption. Amniotic fluid volume is within normal limits. Fetal biometry is appropriate for gestational age. The cervix appears closed and measures within normal limits.
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| Obstetric ultrasound. The placental edge is seen within 2 cm of the internal cervical os without covering it, consistent with a low-lying placenta. |
Report Line
The placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment with its inferior margin lying approximately 1.5 cm from the internal cervical os. There is no evidence of placenta previa, retroplacental hematoma, or placental abruption. The cervix remains closed. Findings are consistent with a low-lying placenta.
Impression
Features are consistent with a low-lying placenta, with the placental edge located within 2 cm of the internal cervical os but not covering it. No sonographic evidence of placenta previa or placental abruption.
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Recommendation
Follow-up ultrasound examination is recommended during the third trimester (usually at 32–36 weeks) to reassess placental position, as many low-lying placentas migrate upward with advancing pregnancy. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or contractions occur. Delivery planning should be based on the final placental location and obstetric assessment.
Key Learning Points
- A low-lying placenta is defined as the placental edge lying within 2 cm of the internal cervical os without covering it.
- Transvaginal ultrasound is the gold standard for accurate assessment of placental location.
- Most low-lying placentas diagnosed during the second trimester migrate upward as pregnancy progresses.
- Placenta previa is diagnosed only when the placenta partially or completely covers the internal cervical os.
- Painless vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester is the most common clinical presentation.
- Color Doppler evaluation helps assess placental vascularity and identify associated abnormalities when indicated.
- Repeat imaging at 32–36 weeks is recommended before determining the mode of delivery.
CASE–2
Marginal Placenta Previa
Marginal Placenta Previa
Clinical History
A 32-year-old gravida 2 para 1 female at 33 weeks of gestation presented with recurrent painless vaginal bleeding. Obstetric ultrasound was requested to evaluate placental location and fetal well-being. There was no history of abdominal trauma or uterine contractions.
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| Obstetric ultrasound. The placental edge extends up to the internal cervical os without covering it, consistent with marginal placenta previa. |
Report Line
The placenta is located along the posterior wall of the lower uterine segment, with its inferior placental margin reaching the internal cervical os without extending beyond it. No evidence of retroplacental hematoma, placental abruption, or abnormal placental vascularity is identified. The cervix remains closed. Findings are consistent with posterior marginal placenta previa.
Impression
Sonographic features are consistent with posterior marginal placenta previa, with the placental edge reaching the internal cervical os without covering it. No sonographic evidence of placental abruption.
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CASE–3
Partial Placenta Previa
Partial Placenta Previa
Clinical History
A 29-year-old gravida 3 para 2 female at 34 weeks of gestation presented with recurrent episodes of painless bright-red vaginal bleeding. Obstetric ultrasound was requested to evaluate placental location and fetal well-being. There was no history of abdominal trauma or uterine contractions.
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| Obstetric ultrasound. The placenta extends over and partially covers the internal cervical os, consistent with partial placenta previa. |
Report Line
The placenta is located in the lower uterine segment with placental tissue partially covering the internal cervical os. No retroplacental hematoma, placental abruption, or abnormal placental vascularity is identified. The cervix remains closed. Findings are consistent with partial placenta previa.
Impression
Sonographic features are consistent with partial placenta previa, with partial coverage of the internal cervical os. No evidence of placental abruption or other acute placental abnormality.
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CASE–4
Complete Placenta Previa
Complete Placenta Previa
Clinical History
A 35-year-old gravida 4 para 3 female at 35 weeks of gestation presented with recurrent episodes of painless profuse vaginal bleeding. She had a previous history of cesarean section. Obstetric ultrasound was requested to determine placental location and assess fetal well-being.
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| Obstetric ultrasound. The placenta completely overlies the internal cervical os, consistent with complete placenta previa. |
Report Line
The placenta is located in the lower uterine segment and completely covers the internal cervical os. No evidence of retroplacental hematoma, placental abruption, or abnormal placental vascularity is identified. The cervix remains closed. Findings are consistent with complete placenta previa.
Impression
Sonographic features are consistent with complete placenta previa, with complete coverage of the internal cervical os. No sonographic evidence of placental abruption. This represents a high-risk obstetric condition.
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