Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Placenta Previa Due to Site of Placentation

Abstract

Background: The aim of this research is to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa due to the site of placentation. Method: This retrospective study included 105 cases conducted in the OBG department of Al AIN hospital for three years (January 2015 to October 2018). All cases of placenta previa admitted during this period were included in the study. Case records were obtained from the medical record section and carefully analyzed to find out the incidence, various types of placenta previa, its clinical presentation, and its outcome in relation to mode of delivery, birth weight, and maternal and perinatal morbidity. Results: Placental attachment site influenced the outcome of pregnancy. Placental attachment to the anterior wall was associated with shorter gestational age, low birth weight, low Apgar score, higher prenatal bleeding rate, increased postpartum hemorrhage, longer duration of hospitalization, higher blood transfusion and higher hysterectomy rates compared to cases with lateral/posterior wall placenta. Placental attachment at the incision site of previous cesarean section significantly increased the incidence of complete placenta previa compared with placental attachment at a site without incision, but did not significantly influence pregnancy outcomes. Placental attachment to the anterior wall was an independent risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa. Conclusion: The site of placental attachment in patients with placenta previa influences the pregnancy outcome. When the placenta is located on the anterior wall, clinicians should pay attention to the adverse pregnancy outcomes and the possibility of massive postpartum hemorrhage.