Abstract objective: To improve management of cases of minor placenta previa that is located laterally by more accurate measurement of edge-to-os distance using 3D transvaginal ultrasonogra- phy. Methods: Fifty cases of laterally located minor placenta previa in the third trimester were included in the study. 2D TVS cases to measure the distance, then a 3D volume was taken for all cases and manipulated to get the coronal plane of the cervical canal, and the distance between the lateral edge of the internal os and the placental edge was measured and compared to 2D distances in each case. Results In 46/50 cases (92%), distances measured by 3D ultrasound were less than those mea- 2D ultrasound. The decision about mode of delivery was changed from attempt of vaginal delivery to cesarean delivery in 39 50 cases (78%), as D distances that were 20 mm were actually 20 mm by 3D examination in these cases. Conclusions: In most cases of laterally located minor placenta previa, edge-to-os distances mea- sured by 3D TVS were shorter than those measured by 2D TVS, thus changing management options in a considerable number of cases from attempt of vaginal delivery to elective cesarean sec- tion 2014 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Middle East Fertility Society. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license