MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME IN WOMEN WITH PLACENTA PREVIA PRESENTING AT MARDAN MEDICAL COMPLEX

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Placenta previa is a major obstetric condition with considerable maternal and newborn morbidity. Clinical management and early diagnosis are the most important factors in the prevention of undesirable results. Despite the fact that cesarean delivery is generally the preferable delivery method, the prevalence of maternal anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, and newborn pathology such as NICU admission or stillbirth is substantial, particularly in limited-resource settings.

Objective: To determine the frequency of maternal and fetal outcome in women with placenta previa in patients presenting at Mardan Medical Complex.

Study Design: A Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mardan Medical Complex.

Methodology: A total of 211 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with singleton pregnancies and ultrasonography confirmation of placenta previa beyond 20 weeks of gestation were included. Fetal outcomes included NICU admissions and stillbirths (intrauterine death ≥24 weeks with no cardiac activity). Data were collected on a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The mean age was 29.75 ± 5.23 years and 97.2% of deliveries were by cesarean section. Severe anemia was observed in 68.2% of women, and 47.9% experienced postpartum hemorrhage. NICU admission was required in 71.1% of neonates, while stillbirth occurred in 5.2% of cases. Adverse outcomes were more frequent in women over 30 years, those with lower BMI, and rural residents. Statistically significant associations were observed for age with postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.008) and stillbirth (p=0.030), and for BMI with anemia (p=0.044) and PPH (p=0.004).

Conclusion: Placenta previa is linked with high rates of severe maternal anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse fetal outcomes.