Antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia

Sample item

An asymptomatic woman at 34 weeks has a complete placenta praevia confirmed on transvaginal ultrasound. What is the recommended timing and mode of delivery?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Elective caesarean at 36 to 37 weeks

Major praevia is delivered by planned caesarean section at 36 to 37 weeks (earlier if bleeding recurs). Vaginal examination is contraindicated because it can provoke torrential bleeding. Antenatal steroids are given before 34 to 36 weeks.

Option by option

  • A. Forceps delivery at 38 weeks

    Vaginal delivery is impossible with a complete praevia.

  • B. Elective caesarean at 36 to 37 weeks (correct)

    Correct. Planned caesarean at 36 to 37 weeks.

  • C. Induction at 40 weeks

    Waiting until 40 weeks risks haemorrhage.

  • D. Vaginal examination to assess the cervix

    Digital examination can cause haemorrhage.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is B, Elective caesarean at 36 to 37 weeks. Major praevia is delivered by planned caesarean section at 36 to 37 weeks (earlier if bleeding recurs).

Why is "Forceps delivery at 38 weeks" not the answer?

Vaginal delivery is impossible with a complete praevia.

Why is "Induction at 40 weeks" not the answer?

Waiting until 40 weeks risks haemorrhage.

Why is "Vaginal examination to assess the cervix" not the answer?

Digital examination can cause haemorrhage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia in OBG. Vaginal examination is contraindicated because it can provoke torrential bleeding. Antenatal steroids are given before 34 to 36 weeks.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antepartum haemorrhage: placenta praevia?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.