Morphometric Evaluation of the Placental Indices and Its Association with Neonatal Indices

Placental abnormalities are a significant determinant in fetal development and the main cause of maternal and perinatal death. However, regular postpartum placenta inspection is not widespread, and the placenta continues to be a poorly studied and comprehended human organ.

The present study aims toward the morphometric evaluation of the placental indices and its association with neonatal indices.

A total of 83 study participants were selected from among the pregnant women. Placental indices, including placenta appearance, placenta shape, number of cotyledons, placenta thickness, placenta weight, and placenta volume, were analyzed. Neonatal indices, including birth weight, APGAR score, body length, head circumference, abdominal circumference, gender, and ponderal index, were analyzed. Association of placental indices with neonatal indices was carried out.

Normal placenta, presence of a high number of cotyledons, higher placenta thickness, higher placenta weight, and higher placenta volume were significantly associated with APGAR score >7. There was no significant difference in the placenta shape in terms of APGAR score. Low birth weight was significantly associated with calcified placenta appearance and retroplacental clot, lower number of cotyledons, lower placental weight, and lower placenta volume. There was no significant difference in the placenta shape in terms of birth weight.

The present study provides important insights about the morphometric evaluation of the placental indices and its association with neonatal indices. A more comprehensive study on placental and umbilical cord parameters is necessary to expand the current knowledge.