Timing of delivery for women with stable placenta previa

Abstract

Women with placenta previa are at increased risks for complications related to obstetrical hemorrhage and the need for emergent delivery. Some will remain asymptomatic without preterm labor or vaginal bleeding, and thus the clinician must decide when to schedule cesarean delivery in a "stable" patient. Decision-making for the optimal timing of delivery across the late preterm and early-term period requires balancing the probability and severity of maternal hemorrhage at each gestational age versus the probability and severity of neonatal morbidity. On the basis of the limited available data, in women with uncomplicated complete placenta previa, scheduled delivery between 36 and 37 weeks should be considered.