Publication:

Impact of mid-trimester placental location on maternal and fetal outcome

Background Mid-trimester placental location is routinely documented during fetal anatomy scans, but its potential to predict maternal and fetal complications remain under-researched. This study evaluated the impact of implantation sites anterior, posterior, fundal, or lateral on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods A prospective cohort study of 200 singleton pregnancies was conducted between January 2024 and January 2026. Placental location was assessed via ultrasound between 18-24 weeks and correlated with subsequent maternal and neonatal events.

Results Anterior placentas were most common (44%), followed by fundal (26.5%) and posterior (21%). Lateral placentation (8.5%) was significantly associated with maternal complications (70.6%), including pre-eclampsia (40%). Posterior location was linked to higher rates of GDM (64.3%), PROM (55.6%), low birth weight (23.8%), and poor 1-minute APGAR scores (44.4%).

Conclusions Mid-trimester placental localization is a significant prognostic indicator of maternal and neonatal risk. Routine placental mapping at 18–24 weeks serves as a cost-effective screening tool for identifying high-risk pregnancies.