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Q&A

Ultrasound/Imaging

Poster Session 1

(313) Is there an association between lateral placenta and pregnancy adverse outcomes?

Tuesday, February 13, 2024
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM  
Location: Prince George's Exhibit Hall CDE, Lower Atrium Level
Objective: Compared to the anterior or posterior uterine walls, the lateral uterine walls may differ in their anatomical curve and blood supply, potentially affecting implantation and pregnancy outcome.  The effect of lateral placentation on pregnancy outcomes is controversial, with several studies suggesting an association with small for gestational age (SGA), hypertensive (HTN) disorders, and preterm deliveries.  Data regarding its impact on maternal bleeding and residual placenta are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association between lateral placentation and adverse obstetrics outcomes.

Study Design: This retrospective study included all women with singleton pregnancies, who underwent a trial of labor. All patients had a sonographic assessment of the placental location. The study cohort was divided into two groups: those with uterine lateral placentation (lateral placenta group) and those with all other possible placentation types including anterior, posterior, or fundal placentation (control group).  Maternal, obstetrics, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. A power analysis determined that a total of 882 women in each group would be sufficient to detect a significant increase in the rate of the primary outcomes, including preterm delivery, HTN disorders, or SGA in the lateral placenta group.

Results: Overall 23,808 women met the inclusion criteria, with 1817 (7.6%) in the lateral placenta group and 21,991 (92.4%) in the control group. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the rate of HTN disorders, SGA, or preterm delivery. The lateral placenta group had a higher rate of retained placenta (5.7% vs. 4.2%, p=0.002), however, using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for maternal age, nulliparity, second and third stage duration, there was no difference in the rate of retained placenta between the groups.

Conclusion: Contrary to previous studies, the lateral location of the placenta is not associated with any clinically significant adverse maternal, obstetric, or neonatal outcome.