A Study of the Morphology of Placenta in Tertiary Care Hospital of Central Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Placenta is a temporary structure, developed during Pregnancy and discarded at Parturition. Human Placenta is of Discoid and Haemo-Chorial type. It connects the foetus with the mother's womb. It is formed by the contribution of two Individuals - both Mother and Baby. At 1 term four- fth of Placenta is of foetal origin and one- fth is of maternal. Along with Amnion, Chorion, Allantois and Yolk sac, Placenta can also be considered as one of the foetal membranes, which acts as Nutritive and Protective to the developing Embryo. Method: - The present study was done on morphology and morphometry of 150 placentae carried at the Department of Anatomy, Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital (BMCH), Chitradurga. The placentae were collected with prior ethical clearance and proper consent. Soon after the delivery the placental surface was washed thoroughly under running tap water which were then weighed, tagged and brought to the department of Anatomy, BMCH. The parameters like size, shape and attachment of umbilical cord were noted down. Gross examination was carried out according to the proforma. Result: - The maximum number of placentae belong to the range of 501-600 gms (38.7%). Least placental weight is recorded as 205 gms, showing dispersal pattern. The maximum recorded weight is 835 gms and the average being 491.4 gms. The majority of the placentae are discoid (63.3%). The minimum length recorded is 8.9 cms, maximum as 23.80 cms and the average being 18.3 cms. Conclusion: - Careful examination of Placenta can help in explaining adverse outcomes, their management in subsequent pregnancies and assessment of new born risk.