On ultrasound, what is the preferred treatment for complete placenta previa?

The preferred treatment for complete placenta previa is cesarean delivery. Complete placenta previa occurs when the placenta is located entirely over the internal cervical os, which poses significant risks during vaginal delivery, including severe hemorrhage for both the mother and the baby.

A cesarean delivery is planned to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. It allows for the delivery to take place in a controlled surgical environment, minimizing the risk of complications associated with the placenta being improperly positioned during the passage of the fetus.

In contrast, options such as vaginal delivery or cervical cerclage are inappropriate due to the high risk associated with attempting vaginal delivery in cases of complete previa, as the placenta could be torn during labor, leading to life-threatening situations. Bed rest and monitoring may be part of the management plan but do not address the delivery needs if the condition is diagnosed, particularly if there are signs of labor or bleeding. Therefore, cesarean delivery is the definitive and safest approach for managing complete placenta previa.