Placenta previa: an analysis of three years experience.

A retrospective study of 45 cases of complete placenta previa is presented. Expectant management of the premature infant using tocolytics, blood transfusion, and cesarean section was practiced. All patients were suspected of having placenta previa based upon ultrasound examination; 90% reported third-trimester bleeding; 48% required prepartum blood transfusion; and 80% experienced one or more complications. Premature delivery occurred in 67% of patients; tocolysis was initiated in 53%. Patients with previa were older, of higher parity, and more likely to have had a previous cesarean section or abortion than matched controls.