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Placenta praevia — DRCOG MCQ

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HardAntenatal CarePlacenta praeviaDRCOG

A 35-year-old woman at 30 weeks' gestation has painless fresh vaginal bleeding. Her 20-week scan noted a low-lying placenta. She is haemodynamically stable and fetal movements are normal. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Arrange urgent maternity assessment and avoid digital vaginal examination

Painless bleeding with a known low-lying placenta suggests placenta praevia until proven otherwise and requires urgent maternity assessment. Digital vaginal examination can provoke severe haemorrhage and should be avoided until placenta location is clarified. Reassurance or delayed review is unsafe even if bleeding settles. Management depends on maternal stability, fetal wellbeing and placental location.

Reference: RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 27a; NICE NG201