Placenta Praevia Flashcards
1
Q
What is contraindicated in patients presenting with vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks gestation until placenta praevia is excluded?
A
A digital vaginal examination is contraindicated in patients presenting with vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks gestation until placenta praevia is excluded.
Digital vaginal examination in the context of placenta praevia can lead to increased vaginal bleeding with potential for sudden, massive bleeding. Therefore, it is mandatory to confirm placental location first.
Transvaginal ultrasound is considered safe in placenta praevia because the optimum location of the probe is 2-3 cm away from the cervix. Moreover, the angle created between cervix and vaginal probe makes it unlikely to slip into the cervical canal.
