What is the recommended action if a patient has a marginal placenta previa with no bleeding at 36 weeks?

In the case of a patient with marginal placenta previa and no bleeding at 36 weeks, the recommended action is to continue monitoring with ultrasound. This is important because marginal placenta previa, where the placenta is near but not covering the cervical opening, can sometimes resolve as the pregnancy progresses. Regular ultrasound examinations help assess the position of the placenta and fetal well-being without subjecting the patient or fetus to unnecessary risks associated with early delivery.

Choosing to schedule an immediate cesarean section would be premature, especially if the patient is asymptomatic and has not experienced any bleeding. Similarly, delivering regardless of fetal positioning disregards the importance of an optimal fetal presentation for safe delivery. Immediate labor induction is not indicated when there are no signs of labor and the placenta is not obstructing the birth canal. Therefore, the most prudent approach is ongoing monitoring to determine if any changes warrant a different plan of care.