Is lateral localisation of placenta a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between placental localisation and perinatal outcomes. This study was performed in a tertiary centre hospital by retrospectively analysing the medical records of patients who were followed up and underwent delivery in the same hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the placental locations (central and lateral) in their routine sonographic findings between the 18 and 24 weeks' gestation. Out of 1,057 patients, 87.4% (n = 919) had centrally located placentas and 12.6% (n = 133) had laterally located placentas. Preeclampsia was found to be significantly higher in the lateral placental location group (4.5% vs. 1.6%; p = 0.027). There was a significant correlation with foetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth rates, low Apgar scores and need for neonatal intensive care unit in the lateral placental location group (p < 0.05). The pregnant women with laterally located placentas should be followed up promptly with special care for the risk of preeclampsia and FGR, and poor neonatal outcomes.