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The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
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Association between first-trimester placental volume and birth weight
M Effendi1, S Demers2, Y Giguère3
1Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
Placenta
|December 19, 2013
Summary
First-trimester placental volume strongly correlates with fetal and placental growth. However, early placental volume did not predict the risk of developing preeclampsia in singleton pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Prenatal Diagnostics
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Placental volume in early pregnancy is a potential indicator of fetal development.
- Understanding placental growth in the first trimester can offer insights into pregnancy outcomes.
- Early pregnancy markers are crucial for identifying potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between first-trimester placental volume and birth weight.
- To investigate the correlation between placental volume and the incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates.
- To assess the relationship between first-trimester placental volume and the risk of preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 543 women with singleton pregnancies at 11-13 weeks gestation.
- Three-dimensional ultrasound used to measure placental volume, reported as multiples of median (MoM).
- Follow-up until delivery to record birth weight, placental weight, and preeclampsia occurrence.
Main Results:
- First-trimester placental volume showed significant correlation with birth weight (r=0.18) and placental weight (r=0.22).
- Lower placental volume was observed in pregnancies resulting in SGA neonates (median MoM: 0.79).
- Higher placental volume was associated with large-for-gestational-age neonates (median MoM: 1.13); no association with preeclampsia risk was found (r=0.01).
Conclusions:
- First-trimester placental volume is a significant predictor of fetal and placental growth.
- Early placental volume measurement is not associated with the risk of developing preeclampsia.
- Three-dimensional ultrasound assessment of placental volume offers valuable information on fetal development.
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