None, K. A. & None, C. R. (2025). "Placental Location and outcome of pregnancy in Government Maternity Hospital ". Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice, 11(11), 422-424.
MLA
None, Kamatham Aneesha and Ch. Rama . ""Placental Location and outcome of pregnancy in Government Maternity Hospital "." Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice 11.11 (2025): 422-424.
Chicago
None, Kamatham Aneesha and Ch. Rama . ""Placental Location and outcome of pregnancy in Government Maternity Hospital "." Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice 11, no. 11 (2025): 422-424.
Harvard
None, K. A. and None, C. R. (2025) '"Placental Location and outcome of pregnancy in Government Maternity Hospital "' Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice 11(11), pp. 422-424.
Vancouver
Kamatham Aneesha KA, Ch. Rama CR. "Placental Location and outcome of pregnancy in Government Maternity Hospital ". Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice. 2025 Nov;11(11):422-424.
Background: Placental location plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes by influencing uteroplacental blood flow, mode of delivery, and neonatal health. This hospital-based study aimed to evaluate the association between placental position and maternal as well as neonatal outcomes among antenatal women in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Government Maternity Hospital, Tirupati, over one year. A total of 133 pregnant women (>28 weeks gestation) were enrolled. Placental location was determined by ultrasonography and categorized as anterior, posterior, fundal, lateral, or others. Maternal and neonatal outcomes including preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, mode of delivery, and low birth weight were recorded and analyzed using SPSS v24. Results: Among 133 participants, anterior placenta was most common (47.4%), followed by posterior (35.3%) and fundal (11.3%). Gestational hypertension occurred in 21.1%, preeclampsia in 21.1%, and preterm delivery in 30.8% of cases. While anterior and posterior placentae showed higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, statistical significance was not reached (p>0.05). Mean birth weight was 2.60±0.57 kg. No strong correlation between placental location and maternal or neonatal complications was established. Conclusion: Although placental location did not show statistically significant associations with adverse outcomes, anterior and posterior locations showed a clinical trend toward increased preterm birth and low birth weight. Routine ultrasound assessment of placental position remains essential for risk stratification and delivery planning.
Keywords
Placenta
Pregnancy outcome
Ultrasonography
Maternal complications
Neonatal health.
INTRODUCTION
The placenta is a unique and vital structure developed during pregnancy that ensures fetal survival through nutrient transfer, gas exchange, hormone secretion, and immunological protection[1]. Its location within the uterine cavity significantly impacts maternal and fetal outcomes. Abnormal implantation sites such as low-lying or anterior placentae may predispose to obstetric complications including antepartum hemorrhage, malpresentation, preterm labor, and increased cesarean section rates. While posterior and fundal placentae are generally associated with favorable outcomes, anterior or low-lying positions may present challenges during labor and delivery[3,4]. This study aimed to investigate how placental location influences maternal and neonatal outcomes among antenatal women attending a tertiary care hospital[2,4].
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Maternity Hospital, S.V. Medical College, Tirupati. A total of 133 pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation were included after obtaining institutional ethical clearance and written informed consent. Inclusion criteria comprised singleton pregnancies of women aged 20–40 years. Exclusion criteria included gestational age below 28 weeks and refusal to participate.
Placental location was assessed via transabdominal ultrasonography and classified as anterior, posterior, fundal, lateral, or other positions. Participants were followed until delivery, and data were collected on maternal complications (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, PROM, mode of delivery) and neonatal outcomes (birth weight, preterm birth, NICU admission). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with chi-square tests for categorical variables; p<0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
Out of 133 antenatal women studied, the majority (57.1%) were aged ≤25 years, and 97% belonged to lower socioeconomic status. Multigravida constituted 57.9% of the sample. The mean gestational age was 37.5±2.6 weeks.
Placental distribution was as follows: anterior (47.4%), posterior (35.3%), fundal (11.3%), lateral (3.8%), and others (2.3%). Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were each reported in 21.1% of participants. PROM occurred in 52.6% and malpresentation in 14.3%. Preterm delivery occurred in 30.8%, and 29.3% underwent emergency cesarean section.
Mean neonatal birth weight was 2.60±0.57 kg. Low birth weight (<2.5 kg) was observed in 30.1% of cases, predominantly among posterior and anterior placentas.
DISCUSSION
In this study, anterior placental location was most prevalent, consistent with literature reporting similar distributions in low-risk pregnancies. Although statistical significance was not achieved, clinical patterns indicated higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in anterior and posterior placentae. Fundal placentae demonstrated slightly better neonatal outcomes, possibly due to optimal uteroplacental perfusion. These findings align with prior studies suggesting anterior placentae may be associated with increased cesarean rates and lower birth weights.
Placental Location Frequency (%) Preterm Birth (%) Low Birth Weight (%) GH(%) PE(%) PROM(%) Malprese presentation (%)
Anterior 47.4 27.0 28.6 27.0 19.0 55.6 14.3
Posterior 35.3 38.3 36.2 12.8 23.4 59.6 10.6
Fundal 11.3 33.3 26.7 13.3 33.3 33.3 20.0
Lateral 3.8 20.0 0.0 40.0 20.0 20.0 40.0
Others 2.3 0.0 50.0 100.0 50.0 50.0 0.0
Previous research, such as Magann et al. (2007) and Granfors et al. (2019), has shown varying effects of placental site on fetal outcomes. Differences across studies may be attributed to population heterogeneity, BMI distribution, and regional factors. Our results support the need for continuous monitoring of placental location via ultrasonography throughout pregnancy to anticipate potential complications.
CONCLUSION
Placental location did not show a statistically significant relationship with adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, anterior and posterior locations demonstrated a clinical tendency toward increased preterm birth and low birth weight. Fundal placentae were generally associated with favorable outcomes. Routine sonographic assessment of placental position during antenatal care remains crucial for early detection of high-risk pregnancies and informed obstetric management.
Ethical Approval and Acknowledgments
The study was conducted after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of S.V. Medical College, Tirupati. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The authors thank the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology staff for their support during data collection and patient follow-up.
REFERENCES
1. Magann EF et al. Placental location and pregnancy outcome. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;109(3):641–647.
2. Granfors M et al. Placental position and pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2019;98(2):184–192.
3. Shumaila Zia et al. Relationship between placental position and pregnancy complications. Pak J Med Sci. 2013;29(1):10–14.
4. Adekanmi AJ et al. Placental site and maternal-fetal outcomes: a longitudinal study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2022;48(4):901–908.
5. Porto L et al. Lateral placental localization and perinatal risks. Placenta. 2020;95:10–17.
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