Analysis of Morphology and Morphometry of Human Placenta and Its Clinical Relevance

In the idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction where there are no clear maternal or fetal causes, the placenta may hold the key to its etiology. So, this study was undertaken to look for any placental and umbilical cord abnormality and to establish the relationship of fetal birth weight with placental measurements. In this study, 100 freshly delivered placentae were collected. The placenta and the umbilical cord were examined to look for any abnormalities in the shape, cord insertion, and vessels in the cord; placenta weight, its circumference, diameter, volume, and thickness at the level of cord insertion were also noted. Baby's weight at birth and age in weeks, maternal history about diabetes and hypertension were also noted down. In the present study, placenta weight, volume, diameter, and circumference show a strong correlation with fetal weight. We found placenta of round and abnormal shapes in 89% and 11% of cases, respectively. In 76% of cases, we got normal cord insertion and in 24% of cases, abnormal cord insertion. Statistical analysis of all the parameters of the placenta was done. In our study, placenta weight, volume, diameter, and circumference showed a strong correlation with fetal weight. The knowledge of these measurements on the placenta and umbilical cord will be helpful to the pediatrician and obstetrician in clinical practice.