Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System
07:34

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System

Published on: May 5, 2018

11.5K

Placental weight in pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital heart defects

Jarmila A Zdanowicz1, Sophie von Dach1, Ann-Kristin Justen1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

Placenta
|May 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are linked to placental issues. Small placentas and babies born small for gestational age (SGA) are more common in pregnancies with fetal CHD, indicating impaired placental function.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatology
  • Fetal Medicine
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Congenital heart defects (CHD) represent the most frequent congenital malformations.
  • Fetuses diagnosed with CHD exhibit a heightened risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA), suggesting compromised placental function.
  • Investigating the interplay between fetal cardiac development and placental health in isolated CHD pregnancies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between fetal heart anomalies and placental characteristics in pregnancies complicated by isolated CHD.
  • To determine if specific types of CHD are associated with particular placental findings or fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
  • Singleton pregnancies with suspected fetal CHD between 2009 and 2020 were identified.
  • Confirmed CHD cases were categorized, and birth weight, placental weight, and the birth weight/placental weight ratio were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The study analyzed 302 fetuses with confirmed CHD.
  • A significant incidence of SGA neonates (20.4%) and small placentas (below 10th percentile, 28.4%) was observed in isolated CHD cases.
  • Specific CHD types, such as univentricular and left-sided lesions, showed higher rates of placental abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnancies with fetal CHD demonstrate an increased prevalence of small placentas, SGA, and preeclampsia.
  • Altered fetal cardio-placental hemodynamics may lead to impaired placental development, contributing to fetal growth restriction.
  • Enhanced monitoring for placental dysfunction and fetal growth is recommended for pregnancies affected by fetal CHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Birthweight to placental weight ratio (b/p ratio)Congenital heart defectsPlacentaPlacental weightPreeclampsiaSecond-hit mechanismSmall for gestational age

More Related Videos

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo12:17

The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo

Published on: August 2, 2017

10.6K
Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods08:28

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods

Published on: March 10, 2020

6.8K

Related Concept Videos

Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
863
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
1.4K
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.4K