Prediction of Fetal Growth by Measuring the Placental Thickness Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

Ultrasound growth parameters including Femur Length (FL), and Biparietal Diameter (BPD) are widely used in Sudan for determining the fetal age. The Abdomen Circumference (AC) is also used along with BPD in determining fetal weight. Measuring placental thickness along with these parameters could be of great value. The main objective of this study was to determine the normal thickness of placenta during second and third trimesters in Sudanese pregnant ladies in order to predict the growth of the fetus, and to understand the relation between the placental thickness and growth parameters (BPD and FL). Fifty three pregnant Sudanese ladies were included in this study. All were normal cases of ages between 20 and 43 years old, in the second and third trimesters checking for antenatal routine ultrasound examinations at Military and Omdurman Maternal hospitals. Patients with history of Diabetes, Hydrops, Hypertension or liability to fetal anomalies were excluded from the study. The BPD, and FL, were measured and then correlated with Gestational Age (GA) for each lady; the placental thickness was measured in the longitudinal section at the insertion of umbilical cord using ultrasonography. The placental thickness was found in the normal mean range of values (20.7±2.1 and 36.2±4.7), in second and third trimester respectively. Normal values of placental thickness in normal Sudanese pregnant ladies with singleton fetuses are in the range of 25 to 45mm in the 3 rd trimester, and between 18 to 24mm in the second trimester. A linear relationship between placental thickness and BPD, FL and gestational ages acquired by them in both 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. No significant differences were found between ages derived from FL and BPD and PT, and a linear relationship was noted with the maternal age. An equation for gestational age prediction using PT was established. Placenta Thickness had a great value in prediction of fetal health and growth parameters sonographically.