The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 11(2):278-282

Lateral position of placenta as a predictor for development of pregnancy induced hypertension and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Anshul Rana, Rama Thakur, Rohini Rao, Neeti Aggarwal

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if lateral placentation and pregnancy induced hypertension are linked. To assess the incidence of adverse maternal outcomes in laterally located placenta. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over a period of 1 year. Singleton uncomplicated pregnancies irrespective of parity and after exclusion of high risk factors underwent ultrasound between 18 – 24 weeks gestation. All subjects were then classified in two groups according to placental locations – central placenta and lateral placenta. All pregnancies were followed and only those subjects that delivered at our institute were included. Results: Baseline characteristics, maternal outcomes and development of pregnancy induced hypertension were recorded. We included 300 women, 204 (68%) had centrally located placenta, and 96 (32%) had laterally located placenta. The risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension in those with laterally located placenta was 3.8 times than those with centrally located placenta. Women with lateral placenta had significantly higher risk of abruption (p = 0.001), preterm delivery (p = 0.009), induction of labor (p = 0.0004) and postpartum complications (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pregnant women with lateral placenta are at higher risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension and adverse pregnancy outcomes.