Ultrasonographic Correlation of Placental Thickness With Fetal Gestational Age and Grading of Placental Maturity

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Comparative correlation of placental thickness with foetal gestational age, and evaluation of placental maturity by ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study includes 100 normal singleton gestations between 10 to 40 weeks of gestation referred to our centre for routine antenatal ultrasound examination. All the women were evaluated by transabdominal ultrasonography. Foetal gestational age in weeks was determined by crown rump length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femoral length. Placental thickness was measured in millimeters. All the placentae were graded using ultrasonographic grading system. RESULTS Our observations revealed that the placental thickness gradually increased from 11.8 mm at 12 weeks to 38.5 mm at 39 weeks. Placental thickness almost corresponds to advancing gestational age exhibiting a linear and direct growth. Progressive maturity changes were noted in placenta with advancing gestational age. CONCLUSION Placental thickness measured at cord insertion site can be used as one of the parameter for estimating foetal gestational age. Placental thickness measurement can also be used to differentiate certain abnormal conditions related to thick and thin placenta. Ultrasonographic placental grading helps to rule out certain conditions associated with premature or delayed placental maturation.