Objective: The aims of the study were to establish reference ranges for placental length and thickness in a low-risk obstetric population and to assess the likelihood of a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate on the basis of placental length at 18-24 weeks' gestation.
Methods: Placental length and thickness were measured by two sonographers in 520 singleton pregnancies. Uterine artery Doppler studies and a placental morphological assessment were also performed. Placental size was correlated with the birthweight centiles at delivery.
Results: A placental length <10th centile between the gestational age of 18 and 24 weeks is a significant factor associated with SGA neonate [odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, 95% CL, 1.1-6.9]. An abnormal uterine artery Doppler is a significant factor for SGA neonate (OR = 3.4, 95% CL, 1.6-7.4). There was a weak relationship between cord insertion <2 cm from the placental margin and an SGA neonate (OR = 1.8, 95% CL, 0.4-8.2).
Conclusion: We have provided reference ranges for placental length and thickness from 18 to 24 weeks' gestation. A single measurement of placental length incorporated into the anatomy scan may assist in the early detection of a group at risk of delivering an SGA neonate.
© 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.