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Updating reference values for placental weights in Northern Alberta
Colleen L Dy1, Radha S Chari, Laurie J Russell
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.colleen_dy@hotmail.com
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 29, 2004
Summary
This study established new placental weight reference values for a local population, finding that placentas were heavier than previously reported. Fetal/placental weight ratios remained consistent.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate placental weight assessment is crucial for monitoring fetal growth and identifying potential complications.
- Existing placental weight reference ranges may not reflect current obstetric populations.
- Establishing updated parameters is essential for contemporary clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish current, normal reference parameters for placental weights.
- To determine normal fetal/placental weight ratios in a contemporary cohort.
- To provide updated data for clinical use in obstetrics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2402 placentas from uncomplicated singleton deliveries (1997-1998).
- Placentas were weighed after fixation.
- Nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Development of new reference values for fixed placental weights.
- Placentas at the 90th percentile were 50-100 g heavier than previously reported values.
- Fetal/placental weight ratios at term were found to be similar to previously published data.
Conclusions:
- The new placental weight reference values reflect a recent, local population.
- Updated reference values may account for increases in term birth weights.
- These findings provide a contemporary benchmark for placental weight assessment.