Placental Location and Obstetrical-Neonatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

(Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2023;160:641–645) The placenta is vital in pregnancy for nutrient transfer from mother to fetus, and different positions of the placenta can affect pregnancy outcomes. Placental placement can be categorized as anterior, posterior, fundal, or lateral, with anterior placenta being the most common orientation and lateral placenta the least common. Lateral placenta in particular poses some risks because the circulation available to the placenta in this orientation is significantly less; reduced blood flow has been correlated with adverse outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, small for gestational age, and postpartum hemorrhage, among others. This study attempted to understand the association of lateral placental orientation with poor outcomes in pregnancy. The primary outcome for this study was neonatal birth weight, as a continuous measure, and categorized for small for gestational age. Secondary outcomes included maternal and perinatal gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, nonreassuring fetal heart rate, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, preterm birth, and mode of delivery.