A Study of Clinical Characteristics, Demographic Characteristics, and Fetomaternal Outcomes in Cases of Placenta Previa: An Experience of a Tertiary Care Center

Background This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women presenting with placenta previa and study the risk factors for the development of placenta previa, management strategies of associated complications, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methodology This prospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dr. S.N. Medical College, Umaid Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India from May to October 2019. All patients with placenta previa were studied based on clinical presentation, management, and fetal and maternal outcomes. Results A total of 10,041 patients delivered during the study period. Of these, 61 were diagnosed with either minor placenta previa (placental edge within 2 cm, not covering the internal os) or major placenta previa (placental edge reaching or overlapping the internal os) for an incidence of 0.6%. The majority of the cases (65.57%) were in the age group of 20-29 years. Among the cases of placenta previa, 13.11% had previous cesarean sections, and 9.83% underwent previous dilatation and curettage (D & C) procedures. Moreover, 78.68% of the cases had ultrasound findings of the placenta partially or completely covering the os. Most patients were delivered by cesarean section (96.7%), and only 3.27% were delivered by vaginal delivery. Intensive care unit admission was required in 14.75% of the cases. The most common maternal complications observed were antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion of blood and blood products, and long hospital stays. The preterm delivery rate was 62.30%, and 37.70% were term deliveries. Almost half of the babies (49.18%) were born with a birth weight of ≥2.5 kg, and 50.81% were in the low-birth-weight category. Apgar scores >7 at five minutes were observed in 85.3% of cases. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions were 39.34%, and most babies recovered and shifted to the mother’s side. The incidence of maternal mortality was 1.63%, and perinatal mortality was 9.83%. Conclusions The incidence of placenta previa was comparable to that reported in previous studies. Prevalence was more among younger women residing in rural areas who were unaware of regular antenatal check-ups. The main presenting symptom was painless vaginal bleeding, and ultrasonography was the most common diagnostic modality. Antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage was the most dreadful obstetric complications in cases of placenta previa, which affected maternal and fetal outcomes. Preterm and low birth weight were the main reason for NICU admissions. A team-based approach is required in the management of placenta previa cases.