Abstract

Function of placenta decides fetal growth. There are studies which relate size of infant at birth with placenta weight. If placenta weight is >normal, then infants are affected with respiratory distress syndrome and even death. Higher weight is associated with complications in child, and low placenta weight is associated with maternal complications Objective: To study relation between maternal characteristics with fetal and placental weight Methods: Hospital based prospective study was carried out among 475 mothers. Birth weight of newborn was measured with standard instrument and standard technique. Placenta was removed, umbilical cord removed, trimmed and weighed as per standard guidelines. Results: Majority (62.3%) belonged to 18-24 years. Majority (64.4%) were high risk. As the gestational age increased, the mean birth weight and the placental weight also increased (p<0.05). Birth weight to placental weight ratio did not increase or decrease (p>0.05). Birth weight was significantly more in those without high risk pregnancy compared to those with high risk pregnancy (p<0.05). Placental weight was also more in those without high risk pregnancy compared to those with high risk pregnancy but it was not significant (p>0.05). Birth weight was slightly more in male babies compared to the female babies, but this difference was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). Similarly the placental weight was slightly more in male babies compared to the female babies, but this difference was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: As the gestational age increased, the birth weight and placental weight increased but the their ratio remained same. It was not related with the parity and fetal gender.

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