What is placenta previa?

Placenta previa refers specifically to a condition during pregnancy where the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus and covers, or partially covers, the cervix. This positioning can lead to complications during delivery, as it may obstruct the birth canal, making vaginal delivery difficult or impossible. The presence of the placenta in this location can cause bleeding during pregnancy and at the time of labor, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby.

The correct answer effectively encompasses both the definition of the condition and its implications for delivery. Other options describe unrelated conditions or complications that do not align with the specific characteristics of placenta previa. For example, while a low placenta can be part of the definition, it is the coverage of the cervix that is the defining characteristic of placenta previa. The other choices relate to fetal distress and maternal hypertension, which are different medical concerns altogether and do not pertain directly to the positioning of the placenta within the uterus.