Modern treatment of placenta previa; a study of 234 cases

Study was made of 234 cases of placenta previa occurring in 48,752 deliveries at one hospital during the period 1947-1956. There was no maternal mortality. The uncorrected fetal mortality rate for all weight groups was 21.4 per cent. The rate varied from 88 per cent in babies under 1,500 grams to 5.7 per cent in babies over 2,500 grams. Initial conservative management to permit gestation to continue as close to term as possible is advisable. Ultimate termination of the pregnancy by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia gave the best results. The incidence of transverse and breech presentations in association with placenta previa was inordinately high. A progressive trend toward more conservative treatment of placenta previa was noted in the present series, with a concomitant reduction in fetal mortality rate.