Placenta previa classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Placenta previa Microchapters
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Classification

Placenta praevia is classified according to the placement of the placenta:

• Type I or low lying: The placenta encroaches the lower segment of the uterus but does not infringe on the cervical os.
• Type II or marginal: The placenta touches, but does not cover, the top of the cervix.
• Type III or partial: The placenta partially covers the top of the cervix.
• Type IV or complete: The placenta completely covers the top of the cervix. This type of praevia often will not bleed until labour starts.