Frequency, causes and outcome of placenta praevia

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to identify and target preventive interventions among women at increased risk of placenta praevia. This is a Descriptive study. All the case records of women with the diagnosis of pregnancy with placenta praevia were reviewed. The frequency of placenta praevia was 1.45% or 169 deliveries complicating a singleton pregnancy. Diagnosis of placenta praevia was confirmed by complete history, examination and finally the ultra sound examination, the course of events during antenatal period, their mode of delivery and fetal outcome of all such patients were assessed. Special attention was paid to the past history of dilatation and curettage, previous LSCS and or other forms of uterine surgical procedures. There were 7082 deliveries during the study period. Out of which 103 patients had placenta praevia. The frequency of placenta praevia was found to be 1.45% or 169 deliveries. The maximum No. of patients 38 [36.89%] had placenta praevia type III. Highest percentage of the patients with placenta praevia were between 30-35 years. 40 [38.83%] gave history of one or more Gynecological/Obstetrical procedures before the present pregnancy. Incidence of placenta praevia was significantly higher in patients with previous Caesarean Section i.e 15 [15.15%] had previous one or more LSCS. While 18 [17.4%] had history of previous curettage/induced abortion. The poor socioeconomic status illiteracy early marriages, multiparity, long distances from the referral centers, lack of proper health care facilities at the primary and secondary health care centers predisposed the patients in our area to increased incidence and complications of placenta praevia