Assessment of Placental Thickness by Ultrasound and Its Correlation with Fetal Outcomes in Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy

Background & Objective: The placenta is an important temporary fetal organ that plays a role in the development and growth of fetus. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate placental thickness by ultrasound in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and examine its correlation with fetal outcomes. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 200 women with normal pregnancy between 13–40 weeks’ gestation in an outpatient clinic, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Karbala, Iraq from February 2023 and March 2024. Placental thickness and other parameters were measured using transabdominal two dimensional ultrasounds, and fetal outcomes were examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24).Results: Positive correlation was found between thickness of placenta in the 2nd and 3rd trimester with weight of both fetus and placenta after delivery and also with Apgar score (P-value ≤0.05). The cases admitted to NICU were higher in thick and thin placenta compared to normal placenta thickness. Also the fetal outcome was better with normal placental thickness compared to that with thin and thick placenta. Conclusion: The placental thickness can be utilized in forecasting gestational age and fetal outcomes.