Abstract

Introduction: USG is modality of choice for fetal evaluation, estimation of gestational age and detection of IUGR pregnancies.

Aim: The study was conducted with the aim of evaluating placental thickness, measured at the level of insertion of umbilical cord and its role in estimation of gestational age of the fetus and in predicting normal and IUGR fetal outcome.

Material and Methods: Using Ultrasonography placental thickness was measured at cord insertion site from 18^th to 40^th gestational age by LMP in pregnant woman. At term cases were categorized as normal and IUGR on the basis of fetal weight. Correlation of placental thickness with gestational age was calculated and compared in both group to find any statistically significant difference.

Result: A positive correlation was observed between placental thickness and gestational age in both groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was calculated for both groups and more strength of correlation was found in normal group. Value of ‘r’ is 0.3221 and 0.7450 in IUGR and normal cases respectively. In normal cases placental thickness in mm corresponds to gestational age in weeks up to 32 weeks. After that mean placental thickness remains nearly stationary up to 40 weeks with average thickness 31 mm. In 18^th 19^th and 26^th weeks placental thickness is more in IUGR group (22.5±4.2, 28.1±5.2 and 31±5.5) as compared to normal group (18.7±1.6, 19.6±1.9 and 26±3.1). So, increased placental thickness in these gestational weeks can suggest abnormal fetal outcome.

Conclusion: Placental thickness at the umbilical cord insertion site can be used as an accurate sonographic parameter in the assessment of gestational age in singleton normal pregnancies because of its strong positive linear correlation with gestational age.