Placenta previa, prevalent in up to 10% at mid-trimester, is associated with a high risk of maternal hemorrhage and preterm birth, necessitating planned cesarean by 36 weeks.
This review highlights the epidemiology, risks, and management of placenta previa, emphasizing the balance between maternal hemorrhage risk and iatrogenic prematurity.
Placenta previa is an absolute indication for cesarean delivery and is associated with serious risks for maternal and neonatal health. At delivery, its prevalence is 0.5% to 1%, after being observed in up to 10% at the mid-trimester scan. Risk is highest with prior cesarean delivery and recurrence after a prior placenta previa is 4% to 8%. Twin gestations have a higher absolute prevalence (3.9 vs 2.8 per 1000 live births), and assisted reproduction carries a 6-fold risk compared to spontaneous conception. Maternal morbidity is dominated by hemorrhage: antepartum bleeding occurs in 40% to 60% and postpartum hemorrhage in 20% to 35%. Preterm birth drives neonatal risk: more than 40% of patients with placenta previa deliver before 37 weeks, and placenta previa accounts for 6% to 7% of indications for delivery before 35 weeks. Transvaginal ultrasound is the diagnostic gold standard and should be used to confirm transabdominal findings, measure the internal os distance, and exclude associated conditions (placenta accreta spectrum and vasa previa). Antenatal management and timing of delivery are based on the delicate equilibrium between the risk of maternal hemorrhage and the consequences of iatrogenic prematurity. For asymptomatic placenta previa, planned cesarean is generally recommended at 36
Cassardo et al. (2026) studied this question. Placenta previa, prevalent in up to 10% at mid-trimester, is associated with a high risk of maternal hemorrhage and preterm birth, necessitating planned cesarean by 36 weeks.