In contrast, if the placental edge to internal cervical os distance was 2–3.5 cm at the last ultrasound
scan within 2 weeks of delivery, the likelihood of achieving a vaginal delivery was at least 60%. It is recommended that these cases be still referred to as low-lying placenta, because the risk of postpartum haemorrhage remains high in this group. An attempt at vaginal delivery is appropriate. RCOG guidelines recommended that any women going to the operation theatre with known major placenta praevia should be attended by an experienced obstetrician and anaesthetist, with consultant presence available, especially if these women have previous uterine scars, an anterior placenta or are suspected to be associated with placenta accreta. Four units of cross-matched blood should be kept ready, even if the mother has never experienced vaginal bleeding. Delivery of women with placenta praevia should not be planned in units where blood transfusion facilities are unavailable. The choice of anaesthetic technique for Caesarean sections is usually made by the anaesthetist conducting the procedure.