MEASUREMENT OF PLACENTAL THICKNESS USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER AND ASSOCIATION WITH ESTIMATED FOETAL WEIGHT AND BIRTH WEIGHT

Abstract

Background: The placenta has been referred to as the "unpolished mirror of the perinatal period." The efficient transfer of nutrients from the mother to the unborn via a normally functioning utero-placental organ is essential for adequate foetal growth. Placental thickness measurement is a straightforward and therapeutically relevant procedure. The abnormal thickness of the placenta has long been recognised as a diagnostic precursor for a variety of pathologic outcomes.

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between placental thickness and estimated foetal weight and actual birth weight.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the course of two years, this prospective observational study was done in the Dept. of Radiology in collaboration with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a Medical College in Central India. on 200 pregnant women in their third trimester with a singleton, uncomplicated pregnancy who knew their due dates and agreed to participate in the study after receiving ethics committee approval.

Result: With a p<0.000 correlation, there was a robust positive connection between placental thickness and estimated foetal weight at various gestational ages. With a p<0.000 connection, there was also a clear positive correlation between placental thickness and actual birth weight of the baby.

Conclusion: In the antenatal stage, ultrasonographic evaluation of placental thickness can be a useful, simple, and non-invasive approach of measuring foetal growth.

Key Words: Placental thickness, Estimated fetal weight, Actual birth weight.