GROSS MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PREMATURE AND POST MATURE HUMAN PLACENTAE

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pathology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• The placenta is crucial for monitoring maternal and fetal health.
• Gross pathological changes in the placenta are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Understanding placental morphology variations is key to managing pregnancy complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare morphological features of placentae from preterm, term, and post-term pregnancies.
• To investigate the influence of pregnancy complications on placental development.
• To establish baseline placental characteristics in a specific clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 150 placentae.
• Groups included: 50 normal term, 50 preterm (hypertensive mothers), 50 post-term.
• Placentae were collected and examined for gross morphological features.

Main Results:

• Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed in placental weight and diameter among the study groups.
• Morphological variations indicate distinct developmental patterns based on gestational age and maternal conditions.
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with notable placental alterations.

Conclusions:

• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy adversely affect placental morphology.
• Placental morphological changes are indicative of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery.
• Further research can explore specific pathological markers and their clinical implications.