effect of placental laterality on development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effect of lateral placenta on development of pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] and intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR]. The subjects of this study were eighty pregnant women; 50 normal pregnant ladies and 30 with P.I.H and/or intrauterine growth retardation. A thorough history was taken and physical examination as well as real time ultrasonography were performed for all cases. Identification of placental location in the upper or lower segment, central or lateral was carried out. In patients with lateral placentae, the incidence of PIH and IUGR was 3-folds and 2.7-folds respectively greater than in patients with central placentae. There was no significant correlation between proximity of the placenta to the fundus and the development of PIH or IUGR. Unilateral placental location may predispose to the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sensitivity of placental location as a screening tool for patients at risk to develop PIH or IUGR