Evaluation of the risk factors for antepartum hemorrhage in cases of placenta previa: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for antepartum hemorrhage (APH) in women with placenta previa. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of 233 women with singleton pregnancies presenting with placenta previa whose deliveries were performed at our hospital between January 2009 and July 2018. RESULTS: Of the 233 women included in this study, 130 (55.8%) had APH. In the APH group, the gestational age and neonatal birth weight were significantly lower compared with the no hemorrhage group. Maternal age <30 years and multiparity were identified as significant risk factors for APH in both the univariate and multivariate analyses. Focusing on the previous route of delivery in multiparous women, the risk of APH was significantly higher in multiparous women who had experienced at least one vaginal delivery compared with nulliparous women (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.42 [95% confidence interval: 1.83–6.38]). CONCLUSION: We showed that women with placenta previa who were under 30 years old and who had a history of vaginal delivery may be at significant risk of experiencing APH.