Prediction of increased placental index by feto-maternal Doppler during the second trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: Placental index is defined as the ratio of the placental weight to fetal weight and we recently demonstrated that high placental index was correlated to poor pregnancy outcomes. We further argued that increased placental index in pathologic pregnancies was an attempt of adaption in placental nutrient supply to meet fetal growth demand. As a consequence, we expect adaptations in placental nutrient supply to overcome the eventual reduced blood flow. Increased resistance in uterine arteries Doppler during the second trimester was associated to pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) development. The aim of this study was to ssess the correlation of feto-maternal Doppler at the 20 – 24th weeks' gestation with the placental index at delivery.