Association between the morphometric parameters of placenta and umbilical cord with the birth weight

Objectives: Birth weight is a vital parameter used to predict the future growth and development of a new born. The survival of the foetus in utero depends on proper functions of the placenta. The study aims to express the relation between the birth weight and placental and umbilical cord morphometric parameters.

 

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 418 singleton normal vaginal deliveries. The collected placentae were washed to remove the blood clots and the weight, thickness, and diameters of placentae and the length of umbilical cord were measured. Shape and margin of the placentae, location of umbilical cord insertion and number of cotyledons and the twist pattern of umbilical cord have been determined through careful examination. the birth weight of the foetus was obtained immediately after the delivery.

 

Results: The collected data has been analysed by multiple linear regression test using R software with p value ≤ 0.05 as the significance. The weight of the foetus exhibited positive significant linear relationship with thickness (p=0.001), weight (p=0.000) and Surface area (p=0.000) of the placental disk. The velamentous cord insertion showed (p=0.019) negative relation with birth weight. The non-twist umbilical cord showed positive significant (p=0.04) association with birth weight. Other parameters were not significant with the birth weight.

 

Conclusion: Thickness, weight and surface area of the disk and non-twist umbilical cord increases the birth weight of the foetus. However, velamentous cord insertion related to reduction in the birth weight.