ABSTRACT
Placenta previa refers to placenta that is situated wholly or partially in the lower uterine segment. Placenta previa is an obstetric complication that may cause serious morbidity and mortality to both fetus and mother. To determine the frequency of placenta previa among patients with scarred and unscarred uterus. To list the complications associated with placenta previa in patients with scarred and unscarred uterus. Cross sectional descriptive study for six months from 25.08.05 to 24.02.06. It was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Total 50 women having placenta previa were enrolled. The frequency of placenta previa in scarred and unscarred uterus and its complications were studied. The study showed that out of 50 cases of placenta previa, 44% of the women were more than 30 years of age and 76% of the women were in 3rd. and higher gravida group. 44% of the women had uterine scar. There was not significant difference in the complications associated with placenta previa in scarred or unscarred uterus except for morbidly adherent placenta, which was seen in 72.73% of cases having scarred uterus as compared to 27.27% of cases having unscarred uterus. The clinical outcomes of placenta previa are highly variable and cannot be predicted confidently from antenatal events. Nonetheless, in the majority of cases without bleeding, outpatient management would appear safe and appropriate irrespective of the degree of placenta previa