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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
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High Frequency Ultrasound for the Analysis of Fetal and Placental Development In Vivo
Published on: November 8, 2018
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Macrosomia has its roots in early placental development
N Schwartz1, H S Quant1, M D Sammel2
1Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Placenta
|July 28, 2014
Summary
Early placental size measured by 3D ultrasound predicts the risk of delivering a macrosomic or large-for-gestational age (LGA) infant. This early placental assessment can identify high-risk pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Early placental size assessment is crucial for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Macrosomia and large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants pose significant risks.
- 3D ultrasonography offers advanced placental volume and dimension measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if early placental size, measured by 3D ultrasound, is associated with an increased risk of macrosomia or LGA.
- To evaluate placental volume (PV), placental quotient (PQ), mean placental diameter (MPD), and mean chorionic diameter (MCD) as predictors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of 3D ultrasound volume sets at 11-14 and 18-24 weeks.
- Measurement of placental volume, PQ, MPD, and MCD post-delivery.
- Analysis of placental measures as predictors for macrosomia (≥4000g) and LGA (≥90th percentile).
Main Results:
- Higher placental volume (PV) and placental quotient (PQ) in both trimesters were significantly associated with macrosomia and LGA.
- Second-trimester MPD was linked to both outcomes; MCD was linked to LGA.
- Associations remained significant after adjusting for maternal demographics, with moderate predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.71-0.77).
Conclusions:
- Sonographic measurement of the early placenta can identify pregnancies at greater risk of macrosomia and LGA.
- Early placental growth and development significantly influence the risk of macrosomia and LGA.
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