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Abstract
Objective:
To determine the frequency of placenta previa among multiparous women presenting in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Study Design:
Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar.
Duration:
January 23, 2016 to July 22, 2016.
Material and Methods:
Out of 236 multiparous pregnant women aged 25–35 years with gestational age ≥34 weeks were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Women with previous cesarean section, history of dilation and curettage, myomectomy, cervical procedures, or multifetal pregnancy were excluded. All participants underwent a detailed clinical examination and trans-abdominal ultrasonography by an experienced sonologist to confirm or rule out placenta previa. Data were collected on a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Mean ± SD was calculated for quantitative variables while frequencies and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Chi-square test was applied with p-value ≤0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Out of 236 multiparous women, placenta previa was identified in 20 cases, giving a frequency of 8.47%. The mean maternal age was 29.75 ± 3.25 years. Placenta previa was more common in women aged above 30 years; however, the association was not statistically significant (p=0.196). Increased frequency was observed with higher parity, though no significant association was noted (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
Multiparity is associated with an increased frequency of placenta previa. Early identification through routine antenatal care and ultrasonography can assist in timely planning and prevention of complications.