Abnormal Placentation: Placenta Previa, Vasa Previa, and Placenta Accreta

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Placental disorders including placenta previa, placenta accreta, and vasa previa are linked to second-trimester vaginal bleeding.
• These conditions are significant contributors to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
• Increasing rates of cesarean delivery, advanced maternal age, and assisted reproductive technologies are associated with rising incidences of placenta previa and accreta.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical management of pregnancies complicated by placenta previa, placenta accreta, and vasa previa.
• To emphasize an evidence-based approach to managing these conditions.
• To identify knowledge gaps in the management of these placental disorders.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on placental disorders.
• Emphasis on evidence-based clinical management strategies.
• Discussion of the role of ultrasonography in antenatal diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Ultrasonography enables antenatal diagnosis of placenta previa, accreta, and vasa previa.
• Antenatal diagnosis is crucial for optimizing obstetric management.
• Increasing rates of these disorders necessitate improved management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of placental disorders relies on accurate antenatal diagnosis.
• An evidence-based approach is essential for improving outcomes in pregnancies with these conditions.
• Further research is needed to address existing knowledge gaps in managing placental disorders.