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Potential placenta previa: definition, frequency, and significance.
P Gallagher1, C J Fagan, D G Bedi
1Department of Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Second-trimester placenta previa diagnoses often resolve by term. Follow-up sonography is recommended only for cases with vaginal bleeding to identify true placenta previa.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, can pose risks during pregnancy.
- Second-trimester diagnoses of placenta previa are common but often resolve before delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the persistence rate of placenta previa diagnosed in the second trimester until term.
- To determine the necessity of routine follow-up sonography for all second-trimester placenta previa diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Sonographic screening of 1239 women in the second trimester identified 63 cases of placenta previa.
- Follow-up sonography at term was performed on 51 of these patients.
Main Results:
- Only 4 out of 1227 women (0.3%) had placenta previa at term.
- Complete placenta previa persisted in all three diagnosed cases.
- Marginal or partial placenta previa resolved in 47 out of 48 patients.
Conclusions:
- The term "potential placenta previa" is suggested for second-trimester findings.
- Routine follow-up sonography for asymptomatic marginal/partial placenta previa is not recommended.
- Follow-up sonography should be reserved for cases with second-trimester placenta previa accompanied by vaginal bleeding.