A woman at 38 weeks with a known placenta previa develops heavy vaginal bleeding. Her hemoglobin is 8 g/dL and she is hemodynamically stable. Fetal heart rate is normal. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

• A Emergency cesarean section ✓
• B Induction of labor with oxytocin
• C Transfusion and expectant management
• D Cervical cerclage

Explanation

Heavy bleeding from placenta previa at term is an indication for emergency cesarean section. Vaginal delivery is contraindicated in placenta previa. Expectant management is only appropriate in preterm patients with minimal bleeding and stable hemodynamics.

Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.