Prevalence of Pregnancy with Placenta Previa in Siriraj Hospital

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pregnancy with placenta previa in Siriraj Hospital. Methods: This study conducted a retrospective review of in-patients medical records of a total of 843 singleton deliveries in Siriraj Hospital with gestational age ≥28 weeks during January to February 2009. Data on baseline characteristics of pregnant women, pregnancy course and the outcomes during delivery were collected. Placenta previa was diagnosed by ultrasonographgy and /or direct visualization of placental location during cesarean section. Results: The mean age of the population was 28.4 ± 6.0 years old. Most of these delivered at term gestation (87.4%). The modes of delivery were normal vertex delivery, emergency cesarean section and elective cesarean section which presented in 60.5%, 26.5% and 12.1% of pregnancies respectively. The prevalence of placenta previa was 0.7% (6/843). The factor significantly associated with placenta previa was previous uterine curettage (p = 0.001). The significant outcomes of pregnancy with placenta previa were maternal blood loss >500 mL (P = 0.008) and baby’s APGAR score at 1st minute ≤7 (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The prevalence of pregnancy with placenta previa in Siriraj Hospital was 0.7%