What are the signs and symptoms of placenta previa?

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is abnormally located in the lower part of the uterus, covering part or all of the cervix. One of the hallmark signs of placenta previa is the presence of bleeding without accompanying severe abdominal pain. This bleeding can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding, and is typically painless. This lack of pain differentiates it from other conditions that could cause abdominal discomfort and bleeding.

In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned do not align with the typical presentations of placenta previa. For example, frequent abdominal pain with heavy bleeding might suggest other complications related to pregnancy, such as placental abruption. Severe cramping followed by clotting could indicate miscarriage or labor, neither of which are characteristic of placenta previa. Lastly, a scenario with no bleeding but abdominal discomfort does not fit the profile of placenta previa, as bleeding is a prominent feature of the condition. Therefore, light bleeding or heavy spotting without abdominal pain is the correct representation of the signs and symptoms associated with placenta previa.