Variations in Placental Attachment of Umbilical Cord.

ABSTRACT

Background: Our study aims to evaluate the variations in umbilical cord attachment to placenta by dissection method. Methods: Placentas for this study were obtained from the OBG Department and collected by the Department of Anatomy SRMS IMS. The placentas were washed, cleared, dissected and site of placental attachment to umbilical cord were observed. Variations in the type of insertion were noted. Result: Majority of the placentas showed central and eccentric attachments of the cord. Few abnormal placentas were observed with velamentous and marginal insertions of the umbilical cord. Conclusion: Abnormalities in the placental attachment of the umbilical cord can result in various complications of pregnancy and adversely affect the fetal outcome as well. Knowledge of the variations in attachment of the umbilical cord is very significant and of extensive use to obstetricians as well as anatomists. Frequently abnormal cord insertions may be associated with intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour and congenital abnormalities.