Does the placental weight affect foetal outcome findings from central Nigeria

Abstract

Placental weight has been shown to have some correlation with fetal outcome. However, this relationship has not been closely studied in our environment. Hence the aim of this study is to determine the mean placental weight and its ratio to birth weight in normal pregnancy, and to determine whether abnormal placental weight and its ratio are associated with poor pregnancy outcome. Methodology : This prospective cross-sectional study of all singleton deliveries in 2011 looked at the birth weights, placental weights, foetal: placental ratio, and Apgar scores in the 1st and 5th minutes in the labour suite of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Plateau state, in North Central Nigeria. Result : The mean placental weight was 623.0g (SD 145.6). The mean placental weight to birth weight ratio was 20.24%, (SD = 4.836). There was a positive correlation between placental weight and birth weight(r = 0.411) P < 0.0001. There was an association between placental weight below the 10th percentile and foetal distress (P<0.0001) for the 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores. The same association holds true at the ratio . 90th percentile. Perinatal motility was high at placental weight to birth weight ratio . 10th percentile P < 0.0001. Conclusion : The placental weight increased with increasing birth weight. Abnormal placental to birth weight ratio were significantly associated with some adverse pregnancy outcomes. Keywords : Placenta weight: Birth weight ratio, foetal outcome.