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Placenta previa

Normally, the placenta is attached to the uterus above the cervix. When the placenta is blocking the cervix, it is called placenta previa. The amount of cervix covered by the placenta may be slight (marginal), moderate (partial), or complete (total). This illustration shows a complete placenta previa.

Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
Last Updated February 26, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 26, 2008
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