Placenta previa

Placenta previa

Normal placenta and placenta previa.

Normally, the placenta is attached to the uterus above the cervix. When the placenta blocks the cervix, it is called placenta previa. The amount of cervix covered by the placenta may be slight (marginal), moderate (partial), or complete (total). This picture shows a complete placenta previa.

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Rebecca Sue Uranga MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology