Transvaginal ultrasound in a woman with suspected placenta praevia at 28 weeks shows placenta covering the internal os. The cervical length measured by TV-USG is 22 mm. The management is:
- A Immediate Caesarean section
- B Hospitalisation, corticosteroids, and plan elective LSCS at 36–37 weeks ✓
- C Induction of labour at 34 weeks
- D Pelvic rest only; repeat scan at 36 weeks
Correct answer: B. Hospitalisation, corticosteroids, and plan elective LSCS at 36–37 weeks
Explanation
Complete (major) placenta praevia at 28 weeks with a short cervix (<25 mm) requires inpatient management, antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity, and planned elective LSCS at 36–37 weeks. Immediate Caesarean at 28 weeks is warranted only if there is life-threatening haemorrhage. Induction of labour is absolutely contraindicated. A short cervix in praevia predicts antepartum haemorrhage, so simple outpatient management is insufficient.
Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.