[Placental Locations in Subsequent Pregnancies - A Retrospective Study]. / Plazentalokalisationen in aufeinanderfolgenden Schwangerschaften ­ eine retrospektive Kohortenstudie.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Different locations of the placenta are associated with specific risks during pregnancy and labor. Knowledge of the placental location helps to provide better care for the expectant mother and her unborn child. Whereas multiple studies show a higher risk for a recurrent placenta previa, hardly any such data is available for any other placental location. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of distribution of different placental locations and to evaluate correlations between placental locations in subsequent pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study women with singleton pregnancies ≥ 24 gestational weeks who had at least one ultrasound with identification of the placental location and gave birth to their firstborn and at least one more following child at our hospital between 2007 and 2016 were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancies, abortions, intrauterine fetal death, and fetal malformations. Placental locations were classified into anterior, posterior, fundal, right, left, and previa. RESULTS: Data of 1657 women were analyzed. The most frequent location was anterior, followed by posterior, fundal and lateral, and previa. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlations in subsequent pregnancies regarding placental locations. CONCLUSION: Placental locations in subsequent pregnancies seem not to be influenced by previous pregnancies. Therefore no prognosis for placental location can be made concerning future pregnancies.