To diagnose placenta previa, which imaging modality is recommended to assess placenta location?

To diagnose placenta previa, which imaging modality is recommended to assess placenta location?

• A. Do not perform pelvic exam
• B. Transvaginal ultrasound
• C. Pelvic ultrasound should be used to assess placenta location
• D. MRI

Answer: (C)

Ultrasound imaging of the pelvis is used to determine placental location relative to the internal cervical os. It provides a noninvasive, accurate view of where the placenta lies, which is essential to identify placenta previa and guide management. A pelvic (ultrasound) study can be done transabdominally or, if needed for precision, transvaginally to measure how close the placental edge is to the os. MRI is not routinely used for this purpose due to practicality and cost, and a digital pelvic exam is avoided until previa is excluded because of bleeding risk.

Ultrasound imaging of the pelvis is used to determine placental location relative to the internal cervical os. It provides a noninvasive, accurate view of where the placenta lies, which is essential to identify placenta previa and guide management. A pelvic (ultrasound) study can be done transabdominally or, if needed for precision, transvaginally to measure how close the placental edge is to the os. MRI is not routinely used for this purpose due to practicality and cost, and a digital pelvic exam is avoided until previa is excluded because of bleeding risk.