Prevalence and Outcome of Placenta Praevia at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

Placenta praevia is a major cause of antepartum haemorrhage and an important contributor to perioperative maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality in Nigerian teaching hospitals, where emergency obstetric capacity determines survival outcomes. This study determines the prevalence, risk factors, management, and outcomes of placenta praevia at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, FCT, North Central Nigeria. A five-year retrospective review of all placenta praevia cases from 2018 to 2022 was conducted from delivery suite and theatre records. Data on type of placenta praevia, risk factors, blood transfusion requirement, mode of delivery, and maternal and perinatal outcomes were extracted. Placenta praevia occurred in 0.8 percent of deliveries. Previous caesarean section (OR 3.4) and previous uterine surgery (OR 2.7) were the strongest risk factors. Type IV (complete) praevia accounted for 41 percent of cases. Emergency caesarean was performed in 88 percent. Blood transfusion was required in 63 percent of cases. Placenta accreta spectrum was identified in 18 percent of cases with prior uterine scar. Perinatal mortality was 11.4 percent. The study identifies the rising caesarean section rate as a contributing risk factor through prior uterine scar. Recommendations include low-threshold placenta praevia screening by ultrasound in women with prior caesarean, preoperative blood preparation, and multidisciplinary management team availability at UATH. Keywords: placenta praevia, antepartum haemorrhage, caesarean section, UATH, placenta accreta