Publication:

Relationship between birth weight of the neonate with weight of placenta and cord length in a tertiary care hospital

Background The study of birth-related parameters, such as umbilical cord length, placental weight, and neonatal birth weight, is crucial for assessing neonatal health. The placenta, known as the "lifeline of the fetus," plays a vital role in nutrient and gas exchange, with an average placental weight of around 508 grams. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neonatal birth weight, placental weight, and umbilical cord length in term pregnancies.

Methods This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bangladesh to examine the relationship between neonate birth weight, placenta weight, and umbilical cord length. A total of 100 singleton pregnancies delivered between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation were included from January to December 2021.

Results Most mothers were aged 21-25 (40%), with a mean age of 24.84 years. Over half were primiparous (52%). Neonatal data indicated an average gestational age of 38.89 weeks and a mean weight of 2990 grams. Caesarean deliveries accounted for 60%, and the gender ratio was nearly equal (54% male, 46% female). The correlation analysis revealed that while umbilical cord length had no significant relationship with birth weight (p=0.192), placental weight showed a significant association (p<0.001).

Conclusions The study demonstrates a strong correlation between placental weight and neonatal birth weight, suggesting that placental health is crucial for fetal development. However, umbilical cord length showed no significant relationship with birth weight. These findings highlight the importance of placental function in neonatal health and the need for further research.