Placenta previa

Placenta previa is a severe, potentially fatal complication of pregnancy, in which the placenta attaches in the lower part of the uterus and covers all or part of the cervix, through which the baby must be delivered in vaginal childbirth. It greatly increases the risk for both premature labor and massive antepartum bleeding.

Detection of placenta previa during prenatal care usually leads to an elective caeserian section; detection during labor and delivery often leads to emergency surgery.