Where is a placenta previa typically implanted?

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment of the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. This abnormal position can lead to serious complications during pregnancy and delivery, such as hemorrhage, since the cervix needs to dilate during labor.

The lower uterine segment is the area of the uterus that is situated below the level of the placenta and is anatomically designed to facilitate the birth process. When the placenta is located in this area, it can obstruct the opening of the cervix, which can lead to a variety of issues for both the mother and the fetus.

Other sites like the upper uterine segment are typically where the placenta implants normally and would not lead to the complications associated with placenta previa. Implantation in the cervix itself is an extreme and rare case of previa known as cervical previa and does not represent the typical placement of the placenta. Implantation near the ovaries would not occur, as the ovary is not a location where the placenta implants; it is entirely outside the uterus. Thus, identifying the lower uterine segment as the area for typical implantation in placenta previa is critical for understanding the potential risks and management strategies for affected pregnancies.