Effect of Placenta Previa on Fetal & Maternal Morbidity/Mortality

Objective: -To see the effect of placenta previa on fetal and maternal mortality/ morbidity. This was a case series study. Study was conducted in Gynecology unit BV Hospital Bahawalpur during year 2000 to 2003. All the patients presenting with or with out painless bleeding in antenatal clinic & proved to be due placenta previa were included in the study. Patients presenting with pain less bleeding in the antenatal clinic due to other reasons were excluded from the study. In all the patients' history along with the risk factors clinical and sonography finding, any intervention needed and final out come was recorded. SPSS was used for data collection & analysis. Results: Total 50 patients were studied Out of these 84% of patients were symptomatic at a dmission the symptoms found were Bleeding, s hock & Pain. Strong associations o f risk factors like Age, Parity, ERCP, Smoking and previous C.Section was found in our study. Severe hemorrhage, prematurity, stillbirths and ENND was associated with Placenta Previa. Conclusion: Placenta previa is not an uncommon but underestimated, under reported & preventable condition. Prevention is possible in case of Known risk factors. Early diagnosis is necessary as the delay in some cases may end up in disaster.