A primigravida at 37 week of gestation repoed to labour room with central placenta pre with heavy bleeding per vaginum. The fetal hea rate was normal at the time of examination. The best management option for her is :
First, I need to recall the management guidelines for placenta previa. Central placenta previa means the placenta is completely covering the cervix. At 37 weeks, which is term, the main concern is controlling the bleeding and delivering the baby safely.
The fetal heart rate is normal, so there's no immediate sign of distress. However, heavy bleeding can quickly lead to complications for both mother and baby. Management options would include immediate cesarean section if the mother is stable and the fetus is viable. Since it's term, delivering the baby is the priority.
Now, considering the options. The correct answer is likely to be immediate cesarean section. Let me check why other options are wrong. Vaginal delivery is contraindicated in placenta previa because of the risk of massive hemorrhage. Expectant management isn't suitable here because of active bleeding. Induction of labor is also contraindicated as it can cause severe bleeding. So, the best option is cesarean section.
Clinical pearl: Placenta previa at term requires cesarean delivery to prevent maternal and fetal complications. Never attempt vaginal delivery in this condition.
**Core Concept**
Placenta previa is an obstetric complication where the placenta implants over the internal cervical os. Central (total) placenta previa is associated with a high risk of antepartum hemorrhage and requires urgent management to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Central placenta previa with active bleeding at term (37 weeks) necessitates **immediate cesarean section** to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. Vaginal delivery is contraindicated due to the risk of uncontrolled bleeding during cervical dilation. Fetal maturity at 37 weeks supports immediate delivery, and a normal fetal heart rate indicates no urgent need for emergency cesarean beyond maternal indications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Vaginal delivery* is incorrect because cervical dilation would cause catastrophic maternal hemorrhage.
**Option B:** *Expectant management* is inappropriate with active bleeding; placenta previa at term requires delivery.
**Option D:** *Induction of labor* is contraindicated as it increases the risk of severe placental hemorrhage during cervical effacement.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
**Placenta previa at term mandates cesarean delivery** to prevent maternal hemorrhage and fetal exsanguination. Never attempt vaginal delivery in central placenta previa—this is a classic NEET/AIIMS/FMGE trap question.
**Correct Answer: C. Immediate cesarean section**