European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: The placenta is arguably one of the most important organs in the body. It influences not just the health of a woman and her foetus during pregnancy, but also the lifelong health of both mother and child. Despite its importance, we know little about this critical but temporary organ. The placenta has evolved to support the development of the embryo and foetus during the different intrauterine periods of life. By necessity, its development must precede that of the embryo. There is now evidence that during embryogenesis and organogenesis, the development of the human placenta is supported by histotrophic nutrition secreted from endometrial glands rather than maternal blood. These secretions provide a plentiful supply of glucose, lipids, glycoproteins, and growth factors that stimulate rapid proliferation and differentiation of the villous trophoblast. The present study conducted to observe any gross morphological change in placenta of normal individuals in North Karnataka region. Materials & Methods: 50 placentas were carried in multiple medical institutions in Karnataka, which were collected from labor room and operation theaters of connected Hospitals, washed under tap water and blot dried. Weight of placenta was recorded by weighing machine. Maximum diameter was measured, radius of placenta was obtained, and surface area was calculated using the formula. Cord attachments were also observed. Results: Out of 50 placentas 86% of placenta were circular and 14% were oval. Diameter was <15cms in 12%, 16- 20 cms in 68%, > 21cms in 20%. Surface area was 100- 200 cms2 in 16%, 201- 300 cms2 in 60%, 301- 400 cms2 in 20%, > 401 cms2 in 4%. Placental weight was between 300- 400gms in 14%, 401- 500gms in 58% and > 501gms in 28%. Umbilical cord insertion on fetal surface was found to be central - 60%, Paracentral -18% and Peripheral- 22%. The average diameter was 22.86+4.2, the average surface 316.52+76.42 and the average placental weight was 512.86+42.36. Conclusion: The present study parameters and an adequate knowledge of the morphometric analysis of the placenta with its clinical relevance proves to be useful in the early assessment of placental sufficiency and also the state of the fetal wellbeing. In mothers who have had no previous antenatal checkup, a thorough examination of the placenta helps in the early diagnosis of the fetal complications, soon after parturition and thus helps in the early treatment of the baby by neonatologists.