Estimation of Placental Thickness with Gestational age in Second &Third Trimester-An Ultrasonographic Study

Abstract

The placenta is a sprightliness of fetus in utero, as it function for normal growth & development of fetus. So if the growth of fetus is compromised it can be detected by the measurement of placenta. The purpose of our study was to determine normal range of placental thickness &its correlation with gestational age in second & third trimester.100 pregnant females between 14^th to 38^th weeks of gestation referred from antenatal clinics to the department of Radio diagnosis in association with the department of Anatomy. Females aged below 35 years without any medical complications were included for routine antenatal ultrasound. Study was carried out on seimen Acuson 300 ultrasound machineusing3.5MHZ convex probe. The placental thickness was measured at the level of umbilical cord insertion in both longitudinal &transverse direction. The ultrasonic gestational age is determined by measuring the Biparital Diameter, Head Circumference, Abdominal Circumference & Femur Length. The mean value of the placental thickness along with the respective standard deviation were calculated for different gestational weeks and compared with gestational age statistically in order to and its correlation. The maximum mean placental thickness is19.82±3.42 at 19th week of gestation &38.9±0.04 at 38th week of gestation with a signifcant positive correlation between placental thickness and gestational age r=0.82 &r=0.79 in second and third trimester. Placental thickness can be used as an accurate sonographic indicator in assessment of gestational age due to its linear correlation.