Morphometry Examination of Placenta in Birth Weight of Full-Term Newborns in Puducherry, India

Birth weight is an important determinant of child survival, healthy growth and development. Low birth weight is a well-established risk factor for adverse long term health, particularly cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The ability of the fetus to grow and thrive in utero is presumed to be a function of the placenta. The present study was aimed to assess the morphometry examination of placenta in normal and low birth weight babies in the Union territory of Puducherry. Morphometry examination includes Placenta weight, number of cotyledons, maternal and fetal surface area and site of umbilical cord insertion were measured in normal and low birth weigh babies. Result showed among 200 subjects, mean birth weight of normal and low birth babies were 2806 and 2058 g, respectively. The prevalence rate of low birth babies (less than 2500 g) was 22%. The placental morphometry study namely placental weight, number of cotyledons, maternal and fetal surface area and insertion of umbilical cord at centre were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in the low birth weight babies when compared with normal birth weight babies. Study revealed that morphometry analysis of placenta significantly influences the birth weight of new born. In conclusion, study recommends the early measurements of placenta by non-invasive techniques like ultrasonography will be helpful in early prediction of low birth weight fetus in utero itself and for better management to avoid such low birth weight.