Ultrasound Assessment of Placental Thickness in The Last Two Trimesters of Normal Pregnancy and Its Relation with Fetal Outcome

Abstract

Abstract:Background: The placenta is a vital organ which plays an important role in the normal fetal growth and development process. The aim of work: Is to assess the relation between thickness of the placenta during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and fetal birth weight and placental weight .Patients & Methods: 50 cases of uncomplicated pregnant women who were attended the outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Maternity Hospital were involved in this cohort study from the period between June 2018 to March 2019;, The thickness of the placenta was measured by trans abdominal ultrasound during second and third trimester .The relation between thickness of the placenta and fetal outcome was examined by Pearson’s correlation. Results: according to our study there was positive relation between thickness of the placenta at the 2ndtrimester and 3rdtrimester with fetal birth weight, placental weight and APGAR score. The fetal outcome was better with normal placental thickness (10th- 90th) in comparison to that with thin (90th) &the incidence of NICU admission increased in thick placenta and thin placenta.Conclusions: The thickness of the placenta by ultrasound can be used beside other biometric parameters in predicting neonatal outcome and measurement of placental parameters should be involved in all routine antenatal ultrasounds.