Treatment Overview
Placenta Previa Ultrasound Assessment in Korea is a pregnancy condition where the placenta lies unusually low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix. This can lead to bleeding during pregnancy or complications during delivery. Early and accurate diagnosis through ultrasound assessment is crucial for ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
In Korea, maternal-fetal medicine specialists perform high-precision placenta previa ultrasounds using advanced 2D, 3D, and color Doppler technologies to identify placental location, structure, and potential risks. Korean hospitals are recognized globally for their advanced prenatal imaging systems, comprehensive monitoring programs, and evidence-based management of placenta-related complications.
This specialized ultrasound provides critical information for obstetricians to plan safe delivery methods and minimize maternal-fetal risks.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To determine placental location in relation to the cervix (internal os).
- To classify placenta previa as complete, partial, marginal, or low-lying.
- To monitor placental migration as the uterus expands throughout pregnancy.
- To assess the placental attachment for signs of accreta, increta, or percreta.
- To evaluate potential causes of vaginal bleeding in mid or late pregnancy.
Benefits:
- Early detection of placental abnormalities for timely intervention.
- Accurate localization of the placenta using high-resolution imaging.
- Non-invasive and safe — uses sound waves, not radiation.
- Essential for delivery planning, helping determine if cesarean delivery is needed.
- Improves maternal safety, preventing severe hemorrhage during childbirth.
Ideal Candidates
Placenta previa ultrasound assessment is recommended for:
- Pregnant women with unexplained vaginal bleeding after 20 weeks.
- Mothers with previous cesarean deliveries or uterine surgeries.
- Women diagnosed with low-lying placenta in earlier scans.
- Pregnancies with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) risk factors.
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more) with placental overlap.
- Expectant mothers with advanced maternal age or IVF conceptions.
- Those undergoing routine mid-pregnancy anomaly or growth scans.
Possible Risks & Considerations
- The ultrasound is completely safe, with no radiation or side effects.
- Transvaginal ultrasound may be performed for clearer imaging when necessary; it is safe and painless.
- Placental position may change as the uterus grows; follow-up scans are often required.
- In cases of confirmed previa, pelvic rest and delivery planning are crucial.
Korean hospitals follow strict clinical guidelines for placenta previa monitoring, ensuring maternal safety at all stages.
Medical & Diagnostic Techniques Used in Korea
Korean hospitals utilize the latest ultrasound and Doppler imaging technologies for precise placental assessment, including:
- 2D Transabdominal Ultrasound: Standard method to visualize placental position and its distance from the cervix.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): Provides high-resolution, close-up imaging for accurate localization when transabdominal views are unclear.
- 3D Ultrasound Imaging: Offers volumetric views of the placenta and uterine wall for evaluating invasion depth.
- Color Doppler Flow Mapping: Detects abnormal vascularization suggestive of accreta or previa complications.
- Power Doppler Ultrasound: Assesses fine blood vessel networks at the placental-uterine interface.
- AI-Integrated Placental Analysis: Korean hospitals employ artificial intelligence tools to automatically classify placenta types and detect potential accreta conditions.
- Follow-up Growth and Position Tracking: Monitors placental migration as pregnancy progresses.
These methods ensure that even subtle placental abnormalities are identified early for proactive management.
Recovery & Aftercare
- No recovery time: The procedure is non-invasive and completely safe.
- Immediate results: Doctors discuss findings during or right after the scan.
- Follow-up scans: Recommended every 2–4 weeks if a low-lying placenta or previa is detected.
- Activity guidance: Mothers may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or sexual intercourse in cases of previa.
- Delivery planning: If the placenta continues to cover the cervix, cesarean delivery is typically planned for maternal and fetal safety.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases with recurrent bleeding, hospitalization and continuous monitoring may be necessary.
Korean hospitals offer personalized counseling and full support programs for mothers with placenta previa, ensuring confidence and safety throughout the pregnancy.
Results & Longevity
- Accurate classification of placenta previa and associated conditions.
- Effective pregnancy management: Reduces bleeding risks and supports timely intervention.
- Prevention of complications: Identifies accreta or vascular abnormalities early.
- Optimized delivery outcomes: Ensures safe labor planning and minimizes emergency cesarean rates.
- Enhanced maternal confidence: Detailed imaging and counseling provide reassurance and preparation.
Regular ultrasound surveillance ensures ongoing maternal-fetal safety until delivery.
Procedure Process in Korea
1. Pre-Scan Consultation
The obstetrician reviews the pregnancy stage, previous scan results, and any bleeding or risk factors.
2. Ultrasound Examination
A transabdominal ultrasound is typically performed first. If the cervix or lower uterine segment is not clearly visible, a transvaginal ultrasound may follow for higher accuracy.
3. Placental Localization
The doctor measures the distance between the placental edge and the cervix and classifies the type of placenta previa.
4. Doppler Flow Evaluation
Blood flow patterns in the placenta, uterine wall, and cervix are assessed to detect potential accreta or vascular anomalies.
5. Interpretation & Counselling
Results are reviewed immediately. If placenta previa is confirmed, doctors provide lifestyle guidance, schedule follow-up scans, and discuss safe delivery options.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- State-of-the-art ultrasound technology with exceptional image clarity.
- AI-enhanced placental assessment systems for early detection of abnormal attachment.
- Multidisciplinary care teams including obstetricians, radiologists, and perinatologists.
- Global standard maternal-fetal safety protocols.
- Patient-centered environment ensuring comfort, privacy, and continuous support.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-based placental mapping for automatic previa detection and vascular analysis.
- 3D placental perfusion imaging to assess oxygen and blood distribution.
- Hybrid ultrasound techniques combining transvaginal and abdominal imaging for maximum accuracy.
- Comprehensive monitoring systems that integrate ultrasound findings with electronic maternal records.
Cost Range
The cost of Placenta Previa Ultrasound Assessment in Korea depends on hospital type, imaging detail, and follow-up requirements:
- Basic placental location scan: USD 150 – 300
- Detailed previa classification with transvaginal imaging: USD 300 – 600
- Advanced Doppler and 3D placental analysis: USD 600 – 1,000
- High-risk pregnancy monitoring package: USD 1,200 – 2,000
International and local patients can access customized prenatal care packages that include regular scans, medical consultations, and delivery planning.
Popular Hospitals and Centers in Korea
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Expert in placenta previa and accreta spectrum diagnosis.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Offers AI-assisted placental imaging and Doppler vascular analysis.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System): Specializes in placenta previa and high-risk delivery management.
- CHA Bundang Women’s Hospital: Provides 3D placental imaging and continuous monitoring for previa patients.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Known for safe and compassionate management of low-lying placenta cases.
