Ultrasonographically observed preterm grade III placenta and perinatal outcome

Ultrasound studies of placenta were conducted in 270 singleton normal pregnancies. Women were enrolled between 31 and 34 weeks of gestation and were followed up for the outcome of pregnancy. Women with grade III placental maturity comprised the study group (n = 64) and those with grade I placenta were enrolled as control group (n = 206). Another 100 normal women were enrolled to note the prevalence of grade III placenta at term. There was an increased incidence of intrauterine growth retardation (6.20%) and fetal distress (7.8%) in the study group compared with the control group (nil), which was statistically significant. The incidence of low birth weight was also higher (34.37%) in the study group compared with the control group (22.33%). Three women in the study group developed preeclampsia at subsequent follow up visit but none in control group (P less than 0.01). Prevalence rate of grade III placenta at term was 28%. In view of these findings preterm grade III placenta is found to be a sensitive predictor of poor perinatal outcome.