The Correlation between Placental Weight and Foetal Outcome in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria

Background: Placenta is a vital feto-maternal organ for promoting pregnancy, foetal growth and development. Placenta varies in weight, size, thickness, form and consistency. The weight of the placenta is functionally significant because it is related to villous surface area and foetal metabolism. Gross examination of placenta after delivery may provide a useful insight into foetal weight, newborn and maternal complications of pregnancy.

Objectives: To determine the mean placental weight in our environment and also, to determine the correlation between the placental weight and neonatal outcome in term pregnancies in Calabar.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 300 women conducted at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Participants in the study were women with singleton pregnancies who delivered either by vaginal delivery or caesarean section at term. Examination and weighing of placenta were done at delivery for placental weight. Foetal outcome that were recorded included birth weight, sex, length of the newborn and Apgar score at 5th minute. Maternal age, marital status and parity were also obtained. Data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Data were presented in tables and graph.

Results: The mean placental weight was 652 ±152g and ranged from 250g-1,200g. The mean foetal birth weight was 3.309 ±0.522kg and ranged from 2.0-5.9kg. The mean placental weight to birth weight ratio was 1: 5.08. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.94 ±1.33weeks while the mean length of the neonate was 49.79 ±2.66cm. There was a corresponding increase in placental weight with increase in neonatal birth weight and length of the neonate.

Conclusions: Placental weight was positively correlated with birth weight and length of the neonate. Critical examination and weighting of the placenta immediately after delivery should be done to determine the well being of the newborn.