Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Mouse Model of Surgical Uterine Injury and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes
Published on: June 27, 2025
The association between of placenta previa and congenital abnormalities: a systematic review and network
Ensiyeh Jenabi1, Saeid Bashirian1,2, Sahar Khoshravesh3,4
1Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Insights
This meta-analysis found a significant association between placenta previa and congenital abnormalities in newborns. Increased monitoring for fetal anomalies is recommended for mothers with placenta previa.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication that can lead to fetal complications, including congenital abnormalities.
- Congenital abnormalities can cause lifelong health problems and disabilities for affected children.
- This study investigated the relationship between placenta previa and the risk of congenital abnormalities.
Approach:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Eight studies were included in a meta-analysis using a random effects model.
- Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and heterogeneity was evaluated using I-squared statistics and Cochrane Q-test.
Key Points:
- A significant association was found between placenta previa and an increased risk of congenital abnormalities (OR=1.81 crude, OR=6.38 adjusted).
- High heterogeneity was observed across the included studies.
- No publication bias was detected, and seven of the eight studies were of high quality.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a positive and significant link between placenta previa and congenital malformations, encompassing structural anomalies, chromosomal defects, and congenital hypothyroidism.
- Close monitoring for congenital abnormalities is crucial in fetuses of mothers diagnosed with placenta previa.
- This evidence supports enhanced surveillance protocols for high-risk pregnancies.
Background:
Congenital abnormalities, as one of the fetal complications of placenta previa, may cause health problems or disability of the child throughout life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between placenta previa and congenital abnormalities.
Methods:
Potential articles were retrieved from three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences) up to 21 May 2023 without limit of time and language. A random effect model was applied for meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was calculated based on I2 statistic and Cochrane Q-test. All analyses were conducted at the significance level of 0.05 using STATA software, version 14. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the improved Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Results:
In the initial search, 829 articles were retrieved. Finally, according to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis. A significant association was reported between placenta previa and risk of congenital abnormalities based on crude form (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.34 to 2.28) and adjusted studies (OR = 6.38, 95% CI = 1.47 to 11.30). The high heterogeneity was observed among the studies reported based on adjusted and crude form, respectively (I2 = 97.9%, P = 0.000) (I2 = 80.6%, P = 0.000). Therefore, publication bias was not observed among studies. Seven studies of the included studies were of high quality.
Conclusion:
Our study provides evidence that there is a positive and significant association between placenta previa and congenital malformations, including all structural anomalies, chromosomal defects, and congenital hypothyroidisms. Therefore, monitoring congenital abnormalities in the fetus of a mother with placenta previa is necessary.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
01:30Neurulation