The condition in which the placenta covers the cervix opening is called what?

• A. Placenta previa
• B. Placental abruption
• C. Uterine fibroids
• D. Ectopic pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Placenta previa occurs when placental tissue implants low in the uterus and covers the cervical opening. Because the placenta sits over the cervix, vaginal delivery is unsafe and bleeding is typically painless in the later stages of pregnancy. The description in the question matches this condition exactly, since the placenta is covering the cervix opening.

In contrast, placental abruption is the painful separation of a normally implanted placenta, often with a tense, tender uterus and vaginal bleeding; uterine fibroids are benign uterine tumors that can affect pregnancy but do not specifically cause the placenta to cover the cervix; and an ectopic pregnancy involves implantation outside the uterus (commonly in the fallopian tubes) and presents differently, with pregnancy symptoms and abdominal pain rather than placental coverage of the cervix.