Study of anthropometric indices of human placenta.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study is to determine birth weights, placental weights and feto-placental ratio in consecutive, live singleton term births and study their relationship with some maternal and fetal factors. Method: Fifty placentae were obtained from the labour room of the department of obstetrics and gynecology , Civil hospital, Sola , Ahmedabad between September to December 2010. Each placentae was weighed and the feto-placental ratio and insertion percentage was calculated. Maternal data, including name, age, hospital number, date of last menstrual period, parity, duration of pregnancy, hematological findings and the gestational age were recorded and correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Result: There was 52% of female and 48 % of male babies. The mean birth weight of female babies was 2.58 Kg and that of male babies was 2.69 Kg . The mean placental weight of female babies was 472.70 gms and that of male babies was 513.75 gms. The mean feto-placental ratio of female and male babies was 5.46 and 5.28 respectively. The mean placental weight was found lower with mother’s age < 20 years , increase number of parity and Hb less than 8 gm %. The mean placental weight was found slightly higher in mother’s with blood group A +ve and AB +ve. The site of insertion of umbilical cord was central in 40 %, medial in 38 %, lateral in 14 % and marginal in 8 %. The birth weight of babies was directly proportional to their placental weight. Conclusion: With extra precautions for the factors reducing placental weight and or birth weight one can reduce further risk to mother and foetus.