Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of Placenta Previa (PP) on both neonatal and maternal health, while simultaneously identifying and analyzing the associated risk factors.
Methodology: A one-year descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Study focused on pregnant women admitted for childbirth with confirmed placenta previa diagnoses. Self-structured forms were used for detailed medical record reviews, collecting clinical data such as placenta previa details, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and risk factors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The study involved 75 participants with PP, with a mean age of 32.81 years and an average gestational age of 34.94 weeks. Most of the mothers 41.3% had type IV PP, 32% cases had type II, and 26.7% had type III PP. 82.7% women had major hemorrhage, 80% requiring blood transfusions, 10.7% undergoing hysterectomy, 8% faced renal failure, 33.3% had PPH, and 8% needed ICU care. Preterm births were 46.7% were born prematurely, 45.3% had low birth weights, and 4% were referred to NICU. Importantly, there were no fetal or maternal mortality during the study. Unbooked mothers, maternal age over 35, high parity (4-6 or more), previous c-sections, smoking, and a history of previous placenta previa were associated with higher chances of high-grade PP, though these associations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05.
Conclusion: Placenta previa affects both maternal and neonatal health, with Type IV being the most common. Maternal most common complications include hemorrhage, PPH, hysterectomy, and blood transfusions, while fetal complications mainly involve preterm births and low birth weight. Maternal age over 35, high parity, previous c-sections, smoking, and history of previous PP, appeared to increase the risk of high-grade placenta previa.