WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Hind Abdulkareem A. Ulameer, Raghad Hasan Mshattat, Rana Dakhil Jasim

ABSTRACT

Background: The placenta plays a crucial role in ensuring normal fetal development by facilitating the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the fetus. Impaired placental growth or function can lead to significant fetal complications, including intrauterine growth restriction and adverse perinatal outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate placental weight and identify the maternal and fetal factors associated with low placental weight. Aim: To determine the distribution of placental weight and assess the factors linked to low placental weight in term pregnancies. Study Design and Setting: A longitudinal cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics at Al-Kadhymia Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. The study spanned from March 1, 2012, to March 1, 2013. Materials and Methods: The study included women with singleton term pregnancies (37–42 weeks of gestation). After delivery, placentas were weighed post-trimming and drainage of blood. They were classified into three groups: high (>750 g), normal (330–750 g), and low (<330 g). Maternal and neonatal data, including maternal age, gestational age, parity, presence of preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, mode of delivery, infant’s gender, birth weight, and Apgar score at 5 minutes, were recorded and analyzed. Results: Abnormal placental weight and placental weight ratio (PWR) were found to be significantly associated with unfavorable intrapartum and perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: Routine evaluation of placental growth and weight during pregnancy can help identify risks early, thereby improving fetal outcomes and promoting neonatal health.