Correlation of Umbilical Cord Weight and Length with Placental and Birth Weight Using Pearson Co-efficient

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between umbilical cord dimensions and placental and birth weight has been a subject of scientific inquiry. Studies suggest that the weight and length of the umbilical cord may serve as indicators for fetal well-being and are often correlated with placental weight and overall birth weight. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of umbilical cord weight and length with placental and birth weight using Pearson co-efficient. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Gynaecology, Bangladesh Medical College Hospital and Dhaka medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period from June 2017 to June 2018. Total 150 umbilical cords were collected from women giving birth in our hospital for this study. Result: The maternal age predominantly ranged between 30-34 years, accounting for 35.3% of the sample. The mean gestational age was 38.8 weeks, with most births occurring at 38 weeks (49.3%). The gender distribution of newborns was balanced, with 52% males and 48% females. The study also revealed a gradual increase in both neonatal and placental weights from 37 to 42 weeks of gestation. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated moderate but significant relationships between umbilical cord weight and placental weight (r=0.2708, P=0.013), and umbilical cord weight and birth weight (r=0.3183, P=0.008). The strongest correlation was observed between placental weight and birth weight (r=0.5156, P<0.0001). Conclusion: This study found moderate but statistically significant correlations between umbilical cord weight and both placental and birth weights. The strongest correlation was observed between placental weight and birth weight, underscoring the importance of placental health in neonatal outcomes.