Morphometry of Human Placenta in Natural Conception and Assisted Reproduction with its Clinical Significance

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Placenta is a mirror which reflects the antepartum status of fetus in utero. Our present study aimed to analyse the morphometry of placenta in normal and assisted reproduction.Subjects and Methods:30 Placentas of natural conception and 42 placentas of assisted reproduction (18 cases of singleton pregnancies, 12 cases of twin pregnancies) were collected from OG department, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and from private fertility centre in and around Chidambaram immediately after delivery. Morphometric dimensions of placenta like thickness, diameter, area, number of cotyledons were measured placental weight, fetal weight were also measured.Results:Placental weight of natural conception was 489 ± 107.84 grams, 316.78 ± 88.24 grams in assisted reproduction. Thickness of placenta was 2.767 ± 0.68 cm in natural conception, 1.78 ± 0.68 cm in assisted reproduction. Number of cotyledons, fetal weight, feto - placental ratio were also reduced in assisted reproduction.Conclusion:This is the first study to analyse the morphometric dimensions of placenta in natural conception and in assisted reproduction. Overall there was a reduction in all dimensions of placenta in assisted reproduction. This will be useful for pediatricians who handle the newborns of assisted reproduction.