TRANSLABIAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND PLACENTA PREVIA - DOES MEASUREMENT OFTHE OS-PLACENTA DISTANCE PREDICT OUTCOME

The aim of this study was to assess the value of the measurement of os -placenta distance by translabial ultrasonography in the evaluation df placenta previa. This method was used in 40 women with suspected plac enta previa to measure the distance between the placenta and internal cervical os. Sonographic diagnoses were compared to placental location determined at delivery. Translabial ultrasonography proved superior t o the transabdominal route in both diagnosis and exclusion of placenta previa. Measurement of the os-placenta distance can be used as an adj unct to clinical assessment to predict the likelihood of safe vaginal delivery in cases of suspected placenta previa.