〔Abstract〕 Objective To explore the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in placenta previa. Methods A total of 79 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa based on clinical symptoms admitted to the Xinjiang production and Construction Corps Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021 were collected. All pregnant women underwent pelvic MRI scanning before surgery to observe placental thickness, cervical length, placenta T2 low signal zone, cervical marginal sinus, bladder eminence, and myometrium thinning. To analyze the diagnostic value of MRI signs and indicators in placenta previa. Results Among the 79 pregnant women, 52 cases were confirmed as placenta previa by operation and pathology. MRI signs of placenta T2 low signal zone, cervical marginal sinus, bladder eminence, myometrium thinning can effectively diagnose placenta previa (P < 0.05). The detection rate from high to low was in the order of placenta T2 low signal zone > cervical marginal sinus > myometrium thinning > bladder eminence. When placental thickness ≥ 10mm, there was a positive correlation between placental thickness and placenta previa (r = 0.852, P = 0.016). When placental thickness was less than 10mm, there was no correlation between placental thickness and placenta previa (r = 0.201, P = 0.052). When cervical length ≥ 30mm, there was no correlation between cervical length and placenta previa (r = 0.376, P = 0.071). When cervical length was less than 30mm, cervical length was negatively correlated with placenta previa (r = -0.721, P = 0.036). Conclusion MRI signs (placenta T2 low signal zone, cervical marginal sinuses, bladder eminence, myometrium thinning), placental thickness and cervical length have reference value for the diagnosis of placenta previa, and can provide imaging basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.