A 29-Year-Old Woman, Gravida 2 Para 1, at 32 Weeks

A 29-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1, at 32 weeks gestation comes to the emergency department due to heavy vaginal bleeding.  The bleeding started an hour ago.  It was light initially and associated with only mild abdominal pain, but both the bleeding and the pain have increased, and now the pain is constant and severe.  The patient has no chronic medical conditions.  Her prior pregnancy was a term vaginal delivery complicated by preeclampsia with severe features.  Blood pressure is 156/98 mm Hg, and pulse is 112/min.  The uterus is firm and tender.  Pelvic examination reveals heavy bleeding from the cervical os.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current presentation?

A) Abnormal invasion of trophoblast into uterine myometrium
B) Bleeding placental tissue extending over the cervix
C) Physiologic cervical dilation due to spontaneous labor
D) Premature separation of the placenta and myometrium
E) Rupture of the uterine myometrium and serosa

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free