Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Placenta Previa: A Clinical Case Report of an Advanced-Age Pregnancy

Cureus. 2024 Feb 25;16(2):e54896. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54896. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Exploring the intricacies of managing high-risk pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placenta previa, and a single umbilical artery requires a comprehensive understanding of their etiologies, mechanisms, and treatment recommendations. This case report delves into the clinical course of a 34-year-old smoker with a pre-pregnancy body mass index of 14.2 kg/m2, shedding light on the considerations posed by a pregnancy in which several risk factors are superimposed on one another. IUGR, affecting 10%-15% of pregnancies, elevated the risk of adverse outcomes during labor and delivery, necessitating careful antenatal monitoring. Placenta previa, with an incidence of 0.3% to 2% in pregnancies, introduced further complications impacting delivery modes and raising the risk of hemorrhage. This report aims to showcase the interconnectedness between these various obstetrical complications and risk factors, to guide maternal-fetal-medicine specialists in making informed decisions during the management of high-risk pregnancies.

Keywords: cesarean section (cs); cigarette smoking; congenital abnormalities; high-risk obstetrics; intrauterine growth restriction (iugr); low pre pregnancy bmi; maternal age; maternal-fetal medicine; placenta previa; single umbilical artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports