MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY PLACENTA PREVIA

Abstract

Background: Placenta previa is a significant obstetric complication associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. It often leads to adverse outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, and preterm birth, necessitating timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management. Objective: To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: The department of Obs and Gynae of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 02-10-2024 to 02-04-2025. Methods: A total of 139 pregnant women aged 18–35 years with singleton pregnancies beyond 28 weeks of gestation were included. Placenta previa was diagnosed via ultrasound. Maternal outcomes assessed included mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), anemia, and ICU admission. Neonatal outcomes evaluated were preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), Apgar scores at 5 minutes, and NICU admissions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; results are presented as frequencies, percentages, and means with standard deviations. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.24 ± 4.89 years. Cesarean section was the mode of delivery in 74.1% of cases. Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 22.3% of patients, and anemia was documented in the same proportion. ICU admission was required in 15.8% of cases. Among neonates, the preterm birth rate was 51.8%, with 30.9% having low birth weight. NICU admission was needed for 23.0% of newborns, and 14.4% had low Apgar scores (<7) at 5 minutes. Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by placenta previa are associated with a high risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and NICU admissions. Early identification and multidisciplinary care are essential to optimize outcomes for both mother and child.