ABSTRACT
Antepartum hemorrhage can be divided into obstetric and non-obstetric causes. Frequent non-obstetric causes of ante-partum vaginal hemorrhage include cervicitis, cervical polyps, cervical cancer, or vaginal lacerations. A low-lying placenta occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment; the placental edge lies near, but not over the cervical os. A low-lying placenta is not considered a category of placenta previa, but it is a form of irregular placentation, which may cause vaginal bleeding when the lower uterine segment develops during labor. A history of prior uterine curettage is a risk factor for previa, most likely due to the endometrial scarring from the surgical procedure. The diagnosis of placenta previa is clinically important when a patient presents with antepartum hemorrhage. In the clinical management of gravidas who present with preterm bleeding, the initial management should consist of admission to the labor and delivery unit with continuous fetal heart monitoring and monitoring of maternal vital signs.
