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Epidemiology
Worldwide placenta praevia occurs in 5.2 pregnancies per 1000. Researchers have speculated that regional variance in prevalence of placenta praevia may be attributed to several factors such as ethnicity and diet.

Africa
Rates of placenta praevia in Sub-Saharan Africa are the lowest in the world, averaging 2.7 per 1000 pregnancies. Despite a low prevalence, this disease has had a profound impact in Africa as it is linked with negative outcomes for both the mother and infant. The most common maternal outcome of placenta praevia is extreme blood loss before or after birth (antepartum hemorrhage and postpartum hemorrhage), which is a major cause of maternal and infant mortality in countries like Tanzania. Risk factors for placenta praevia among African women include prior pregnancies, prenatal alcohol consumption, and insufficient gynecologic care. In North Africa placenta praevia rates occur in 6.4 per 1000 pregnancies.

Asia
Mainland China has the highest prevalence of placenta praevia in the world, measuring at an average of 12.2 per 1000 pregnancies. Specifically, placenta praevia is most common in Southeast Asia, though the reason for this has not yet been investigated. There are many risk factors for placenta praevia in Asian women, of which include pregnancies occurring in women ages 35 and older (Advanced maternal age) or in women who have had a prior Caesarean section, having multiple pregnancies, and experiencing either miscarriage or abortion in the past. In comparison with other Asian countries, placenta praevia is more common in Japan (13.9 per 1000) and Korea (15 per 1000). In the Middle East, placenta praevia rates are lower in both Saudi Arabia (7.3 per 1000) and Israel (4.2 per 1000).

Australia
The continent with the second highest prevalence for placenta praevia is Australia, where it affects about 9.5 out of every 1000 pregnant women. Researchers concerned with these rates have tested the specificity and sensitivity of fetal anomaly scans. In conclusion, it was determined the threshold that defines placenta praevia (based on proximity of placenta to cervix) must be reduced in order to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and to avoid false positives leading screenings.

Europe
Placenta praevia in Europe occurs in about 3.6 per 1000 pregnancies. In Nova Scotia, infants born to pregnant woman who experience placenta praevia have a mortality rate 3-4 times higher than normal pregnancies. A couple of factors contribute to this rate including length of time fetus was in the womb and mother's age. Infants that did survive experienced increased rates of birth defects, breathing problems, and blood abnormalities.

Latin America
In Latin America, placenta praevia occurs in about 5.1 per 1000 pregnancies.

North America
In North America placenta praevia occurs in 2.9 per 1000 pregnancies. Ethnic differences indicate White women are more likely to experience placenta praevia than Black women. Additionally, more cases of placenta praevia are found in women from low-income areas which are linked to insufficient pregnancy care. According to the socioeconomic demographic in North America, Black women are more likely to come from low income areas and are thus more likely to suffer from placenta praevia.

Research suggests that the incidence of placenta praevia in the U.S. is increasing as a result of the increased rate of Caesarian sections.