Which condition describes maternal new onset vaginal bleeding that stops, with no pain and no fetal distress?

Which condition describes maternal new onset vaginal bleeding that stops, with no pain and no fetal distress?

• A. Vasa previa
• B. Placenta previa
• C. Ectopic pregnancy
• D. Uterine rupture

Answer: (B)

Painless vaginal bleeding in a pregnant patient, especially when it occurs without uterine tenderness and without fetal distress, is most characteristic of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervical os, so bleeding can occur spontaneously and then stop, and the uterus remains soft and non-tender with the fetus typically being stable. Other conditions have different presentations. Vasa previa involves bleeding from fetal vessels and is usually accompanied by fetal distress or changes in fetal heart rate when bleeding occurs. An ectopic pregnancy typically presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and may show signs of rupture with hemodynamic instability. Uterine rupture presents with sudden, severe abdominal pain, loss of fetal well-being, and maternal instability.

Painless vaginal bleeding in a pregnant patient, especially when it occurs without uterine tenderness and without fetal distress, is most characteristic of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervical os, so bleeding can occur spontaneously and then stop, and the uterus remains soft and non-tender with the fetus typically being stable.

Other conditions have different presentations. Vasa previa involves bleeding from fetal vessels and is usually accompanied by fetal distress or changes in fetal heart rate when bleeding occurs. An ectopic pregnancy typically presents with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and may show signs of rupture with hemodynamic instability. Uterine rupture presents with sudden, severe abdominal pain, loss of fetal well-being, and maternal instability.