Which placental condition is associated with bright red vaginal bleeding?

• A. Placental abruption
• B. None
• C. Placental previa
• D. Both

Answer: (C)

Bright red vaginal bleeding in a pregnant patient is most consistent with placenta previa, which typically causes painless bleeding late in pregnancy as the placenta implants low in the uterus near or over the cervical os. The bleeding is bright red because it comes from placental attachment at the cervix and can occur with minor cervical dilation or irritation.

In contrast, placental abruption usually presents with painful bleeding, often with abdominal tenderness or a firm, tender uterus, and the blood can be dark or concealed within the uterus. The presence of pain or uterine tenderness helps distinguish abruption from previa.

None would not fit because previa explains the bright red, painless bleeding pattern, and “both” isn’t appropriate since the two conditions have different clinical presentations.