Placental villous surface area of light-for-dates infants at term

The placental villous surface area and ratios of villous surface area to body weight, length and head circumference were determined in 40 light-for-dates infants born at term. When infants were categorised by length, head circumference and ponderal index, the short infants and infants with small heads had a mean villous surface area similar to that of their peers of normal length and head circumference. However, wasted infants, with a low ponderal index, had both an absolutely and relatively reduced mean villous surface area when compared to non-wasted infants. It is concluded that not all light-for-dates infants, but only those that are wasted at birth, have quantitative placental inadequacy.