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Second-trimester placental volumes predict birth weight at term
J F Clapp1, K H Rizk, S K Appleby-Wineberg
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Second-trimester placental growth is a strong predictor of birth size in healthy women. This finding suggests placental volume measurements can identify potential growth anomalies early in pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Fetal Medicine
- Pregnancy Research
Background:
- Accurate prediction of fetal growth is crucial for optimal pregnancy outcomes.
- Identifying factors influencing birth weight is essential for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between second-trimester placental growth and fetal size at birth.
- To determine if placental volume in early pregnancy predicts birth weight.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurements of fetal morphometry and placental volume were taken between 14-26 weeks in 40 singleton pregnancies.
- Correlations were analyzed between second-trimester placental metrics and birth weight.
Main Results:
- Second-trimester placental volume and growth rate strongly correlated with placental volume and birth weight at delivery (r > 0.79).
- Second-trimester fetal biometry showed poor correlation with birth weight (r < 0.45).
Conclusions:
- Placental volume and growth rate in the second trimester are significant predictors of birth weight in healthy women.
- This method shows potential as an early screening tool for identifying pregnancies at risk of abnormal growth.