Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Introduction: The placenta plays an important role in pregnancy by facilitating nutrient and oxygen exchange between mother and fetus. Abnormal placental morphology is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. This study aimed to assess the relationship between placental characteristics (weight, thickness, diameter) and fetomaternal outcomes in Indian pregnant women.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 150 pregnant women (gestational age ≥34 weeks) at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital. Placental parameters (weight, thickness, diameter, ultrasound-measured thickness) were recorded, along with maternal (hypertension, diabetes, anemia) and fetal outcomes (birth weight, fetal growth restriction, neonatal intensive care unit admission). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0.
Results: The mean placental weight was 446.1g, thickness 4.3cm, and diameter 17.8cm. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (16%) and gestational diabetes (13.3%) were associated with reduced placental dimensions (p<0.05). Fetal growth restriction (26.7%), neonatal intensive care unit admission (38%), and preterm birth (25.3%) were significantly more frequent in cases with lower placental weight (<400g), thickness (<2.5cm), and diameter (<18cm) (p<0.001). Anemia (12%) correlated with smaller placental size (p=0.02). Doppler studies indicated insufficiency in 28.7% of cases, though histopathology revealed no abnormalities.
Conclusion: Placental morphology significantly influences maternal and fetal outcomes. Smaller placental dimensions were associated with higher risks of hypertension, anemia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. Comprehensive placental assessment may help predict adverse pregnancy outcomes and guide clinical management.