Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Small estimated placental volume (EPV) in the setting of decreased fetal movement
Kimberly Lovie Murdaugh1, Heather Florescue1
1Women Gynecology & Childbirth Associates, P.C., University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
Although 60.5 % of clinically unexplained stillbirths can be attributed to placental insufficiency and/or fetal growth restriction, clinicians rarely calculate estimated placental volume (EPV). We present a scenario in which EPV was used to inform patient care of a 28-year-old with decreased fetal movement at 32 weeks and 1 day gestation. Although estimated fetal weight (EFW), amniotic fluid index (AFI), and nonstress test (NST) were normal, EPV was low (<0.1st percentile), which prompted more frequent patient follow-up. Oligohydramnios was detected at 38 weeks and 1 day, and labor was induced. An infant with birthweight in the 12th percentile for gestational age was born. We learned that EPV can precede intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios, and low birthweight.
Although 60.5 % of clinically unexplained stillbirths can be attributed to placental insufficiency and/or fetal growth restriction, clinicians rarely calculate estimated placental volume (EPV). We present a scenario in which EPV was used to inform patient care of a 28-year-old with decreased fetal movement at 32 weeks and 1 day gestation. Although estimated fetal weight (EFW), amniotic fluid index (AFI), and nonstress test (NST) were normal, EPV was low (<0.1st percentile), which prompted more frequent patient follow-up. Oligohydramnios was detected at 38 weeks and 1 day, and labor was induced. An infant with birthweight in the 12th percentile for gestational age was born. We learned that EPV can precede intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), oligohydramnios, and low birthweight.
