Correlation between Placenta Weight and Birth Weight at Full Term Pregnancy: Placenta Weight and Birth Weight Correlation

Zobia Munaf; Falak Naz Baloch; Rabia Bosan; Atruba Ismail; Zakir Ali Punar; Samra Khan

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i4.2723

Authors

Zobia Munaf Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Falak Naz Baloch Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bedford Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, England United Kingdom
Rabia Bosan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaikh Zaid Women Hospital, Larkana, Pakistan
Atruba Ismail Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Murad Memon Goth, Karachi, Pakistan
Zakir Ali Punar Department of Health Services, Technical Wing, People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative, Karachi, Pakistan
Samra Khan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i4.2723

Keywords:

Placental Weight, Neonatal Weight, Primigravida, Fetal Health, Placental Development

Abstract

Placental pathology is a recognized factor contributing to perinatal adverse health outcomes, and it might be linked to the growth of the placenta, potentially being evaluated through indirect physical measurements. Objective: To examine the average weight of the placental tissue and its association with newborn weight. Methods: The study, conducted at Civil Hospital, Karachi, from October 2017 to February 2018, was a descriptive cross-sectional study. It enrolled 36 primigravida females with singleton pregnancies who delivered in the labor room. Placental weight and newborn weight were recorded at the time of delivery, and a structured questionnaire was completed for each participant. Results: The average age of participants was 25.5 years, with a typical pregnancy period of 38.8 weeks. Mean placental weight was 604 grams (range 500-670 grams), and mean fetal weight was 2958 grams (range 2500-3400 grams). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between placental weight and neonatal weight (Pearson’s correlation at the 0.01 level), as well as between maternal age and placental weight (significant at the 0.05 level). Conclusions: This study establishes a reference range for placental and fetal weight in the Pakistani population and highlights the significant correlation between the two. Placental weight serves as a reliable indicator of fetal health, underlining the importance of monitoring placental development and assessing the placenta post-delivery to evaluate neonatal health.

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