ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study is to compare the gross anatomy of umbilical cord in normal placentas and IUGR placentas. MethodsThis is a case control study, conducted in the Department of Anatomy, R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur among 100 control and 100 IUGR placentas. Placenta was collected as soon as possible after delivery and was examined for gross changes. Then it was fixed in 10% formalin for sections for staining. ResultsIn our study, the marginal attachment of umbilical cord with 0.25 insertion percentage was seen in 35 cases. The association between marginal attachment of the cord and low birth weight is statistically significant. ConclusionsIncreased incidence of marginal cord insertion was associated with low foetal weight. The mean length of umbilical cord varied in the present study between 30 cms and 60 cms in control and IUGR group. No significant difference was seen in the cord length according to type of pregnancy, normal or abnormal. From the literature review, it was anticipated that there would be a wide range of umbilical cord lengths. The umbilical cord may have a central, lateral, marginal or medial insertion. Central and lateral insertions have no clinical importance. Marginal insertions may be more susceptible to vessel rupture and have been associated with foetal growth retardation, stillbirth and neonatal death.