Evaluation of placental thickness at 32nd and 36th weeks for predicting fetal outcome:  A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study.

Ch Devani; M  Bhagyasri; P Mamatha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2326

Authors

Ch. Devani Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.
M . Bhagyasri Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.
P. Mamatha Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2326

Keywords:

Placental, thickness, Ultrasound, Fetal, outcome, Birth weight, APGAR score

Abstract

Background:
Placental thickness (PT) is an important ultrasonographic parameter reflecting placental growth and function. Abnormal placental thickness has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes such as low birth weight, poor APGAR scores, and increased neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.

Aim:
To evaluate placental thickness at 32nd and 36th weeks of gestation and determine its predictive value for fetal outcome.

Methods:
This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam, from January to June 2025. One hundred singleton pregnant women aged 18–40 years were included. Placental thickness was measured using ultrasonography at 32 and 36 weeks. Fetal outcomes assessed were birth weight, APGAR score, and NICU admission. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results:
Mean placental thickness was 30.8 ± 3.2 mm at 32 weeks and 36.2 ± 3.8 mm at 36 weeks. A strong positive correlation was observed between placental thickness and birth weight (r = 0.71, p < 0.001). Thin placentas (<30 mm) were significantly associated with low birth weight and poor APGAR scores (p = 0.005). NICU admission was required in 22% of neonates, predominantly among those with abnormal placental thickness (p = 0.03).

Conclusion:
Placental thickness is a reliable predictor of fetal outcome. Abnormally thin or thick placentas are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Routine assessment of placental thickness in the third trimester may help identify high-risk pregnancies early.

Recommendations

Regular ultrasonographic assessment of placental thickness during the third trimester should be incorporated into routine antenatal protocols to identify pregnancies at risk for adverse fetal outcomes.

Author Biographies

Ch. Devani, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Visakhapatnam. Her academic interests include maternal-fetal medicine and obstetric ultrasonography.

M . Bhagyasri, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the same institution. She has extensive experience in high-risk pregnancy management and clinical research.

P. Mamatha, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gayatri Vidhya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology, Madhurawada, Vishakhapatnam, India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Her research interests include fetal growth assessment and perinatal outcome evaluation.

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