Characteristics of Placenta Previa

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 97 views

An Overview of Antepartum Bleeding in Pregnant Women Inpatient and Outpatient at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2013-2015

Introduction

Antepartum bleeding is a serious condition that can occur in pregnant women, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The definition includes bleeding from the genital tract which can be caused by various factors, including placenta previa and placental abruption. Both are the main causes of the morbidity and mortality of mothers and newborns around the world. This study aims to provide an overview of antepartum hemorrhage that occurs in pregnant women who are hospitalized and outpatient at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in the 2013-2015 period.

Research Methodology

This study uses descriptive methods with retrospective design. The population taken includes all the medical record data of pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa and placental abruption during the period January 2013 to December 2015. This study relies on total sampling to determine the sample size, which means that all cases that meet the criteria will be included.

Research Result

From the results of the study, there were 33 cases of antepartum bleeding recorded. The highest frequency rate was found in 2015, which was 48.5% of the total case. Of the two causes under study, the placenta previa dominates with a percentage of 90.9%, while the placental abruption is only 9.1%.

Characteristics of Placenta Previa

Placental frequency distribution previa shows certain characteristics. Most mothers with placenta previa aged 31-35 years (35.5%), and the majority are at 28-36 weeks' gestation (73.3%). A total of 53.3% is a multigravida, while a history of vaginal parturition is found in 36.7% of cases, and the majority of cases of placenta previa are totalis types (86.7%).

Characteristics of Placental Abruption

Meanwhile, for the placental abruption, the most frequencies are found in the age group 20-25 years, 26-30 years, and 36-40 years, each covering 33.3% of the total. Most cases of placental abruption occur at less than 28 weeks (66.7%), and are dominated by primigravida (66.7%) that have never given birth.

Analysis and Discussion

The results of this study indicate that placenta previa is the main cause of antepartum bleeding in H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. Age and obstetric history becomes an important element that can affect the risk of bleeding. Age between 31-35 years shows a higher prevalence for placenta previa, which may be related to health conditions and risk factors related to pregnancy at that age.

Conversely, the case of placental abruption occurs more in primigravida and at a younger gestational age. This indicates the need for special attention for pregnant women who are pregnant for the first time and those who have pregnancy in the beginning.

Conclusion

Antepartum bleeding, if not treated properly, can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for both mothers and infants. Therefore, this information is very important to improve the practice of antenatal care and better clinical decision making.

By understanding the picture of antepartum bleeding at H. Adam Malik Hospital, it is expected to increase awareness and readiness of medical personnel in managing risks that may be faced by pregnant women, so that the health of the mother and baby can be more maintained. This research is also the basis for further research in an effort to reduce the incidence of antepartum bleeding in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improved Antenatal Care: Antenatal care should be improved to detect and manage risk factors related to pregnancy, such as placenta previa and placental abruption.
Increased Awareness: Medical personnel should be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of antepartum bleeding, and take necessary actions to prevent and manage the condition.
Further Research: Further research is needed to reduce the incidence of antepartum bleeding in the future.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study is small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Retrospective Design: The study uses a retrospective design, which may be subject to recall bias and other limitations.
Limited Data: The study relies on medical record data, which may be limited in terms of the information available.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the results.
Use Prospective Design: Use a prospective design to reduce recall bias and other limitations.
Collect More Data: Collect more data to improve the understanding of antepartum bleeding and its risk factors.

Q: What is antepartum bleeding?

A: Antepartum bleeding is a serious condition that can occur in pregnant women, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The definition includes bleeding from the genital tract which can be caused by various factors, including placenta previa and placental abruption.

Q: What are the causes of antepartum bleeding?

A: The two main causes of antepartum bleeding are placenta previa and placental abruption. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, while placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus.

Q: What are the symptoms of antepartum bleeding?

A: The symptoms of antepartum bleeding can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and contractions. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Q: How is antepartum bleeding diagnosed?

A: Antepartum bleeding is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, ultrasound, and laboratory tests.

Q: What are the risks associated with antepartum bleeding?

A: If left untreated, antepartum bleeding can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for both mothers and infants.

Q: How can antepartum bleeding be prevented?

A: Antepartum bleeding can be prevented by improving antenatal care, detecting and managing risk factors related to pregnancy, and taking necessary actions to prevent and manage the condition.

Q: What is the treatment for antepartum bleeding?

A: The treatment for antepartum bleeding depends on the severity of the condition and may include bed rest, medication, and surgery.

Q: Can antepartum bleeding be cured?

A: In some cases, antepartum bleeding can be cured with treatment. However, in severe cases, it may be necessary to deliver the baby prematurely.

Q: What is the prognosis for women who experience antepartum bleeding?

A: The prognosis for women who experience antepartum bleeding depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, women may experience long-term complications, such as infertility or chronic pain.

Q: How can women reduce their risk of antepartum bleeding?

A: Women can reduce their risk of antepartum bleeding by:

Getting regular prenatal care
Avoiding smoking and excessive caffeine consumption
Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting enough rest and exercise
Avoiding strenuous activities

Q: What should women do if they experience antepartum bleeding?

A: If women experience antepartum bleeding, they should:

Call their healthcare provider immediately
Lie down and elevate their feet
Avoid strenuous activities
Follow their healthcare provider's instructions for treatment

By understanding the risks and symptoms of antepartum bleeding, women can take steps to reduce their risk and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms.