Publication:

Study of correlation between placental morphology and adverse perinatal outcome in different conditions affecting pregnancy

Background Placenta acts as a mirror which reflects intrauterine status of fetus. Placenta is considered as a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and important factor affecting foetal growth which is generally associated with placental insufficiency. Pregnancy complications like hypertension or gestational diabetes are reflected macroscopically and microscopically in the placenta.

Methods The study was carried out on 129 placentae which were divided into four groups- normal, pregnancy induced hypertension, anaemia and diabetes mellitus. The various parameters were studied like placental weight, placental surface area, foetal birth weight, placental coefficient, feto-placental weight ratio, foetal outcome in the form of still birth or alive.

Results It was observed that placental weight was quite low in PIH group than normal. Conversely it was on higher side in Anaemia and Diabetes group. Birth weight of babies show marked reduction in PIH group and Anaemia group, but it is increased in diabetic group. In normal group, stillbirth was observed in 3.33% deliveries. In conditions complicating pregnancy the percentage of still birth is comparatively higher.

Conclusions These conditions also affect the perinatal outcome. Placental parameters are also altered along with foetal parameters like foetal weight. So the diagnosis of such risk factors in pregnancies during antenatal period will improve the outcome.