Which type of exam is contraindicated in the presence of placenta previa?

In cases of placenta previa, where the placenta is located near or over the cervical os, a digital exam is contraindicated because it poses a risk of triggering bleeding or causing complications. Digital exams involve physical examination of the cervix and can induce contractions or manipulate the placenta, leading to potentially life-threatening situations for both the mother and the fetus.

On the other hand, ultrasound exams are frequently used and can safely assess the placental position without any direct physical manipulation. CT scans are generally avoided during pregnancy due to radiation exposure, but they are not related to the direct physical risk that a digital exam presents. A pelvic exam, similar to a digital exam, also risks disturbing the placenta, but the emphasis in this question is primarily on the act of manual exploration that happens with digital exams.