Assessment of Predictors for Placental Weight and Birth Weight Ratios from Deliveries Conducted in Pakistani Tertiary Care Hospitals

Anomalous placental morphology is associated with obstetric complications. To date, published data is not available regarding placental weights from Pakistan. The aim of the study was to obtain a reference value for placental weights in the Pakistani population and examined the predictors of birth weight to placental weight ratio an indicator of placental efficiency. Objective: To assess the predictors for placental weight and birth weight ratios in singleton pregnancies delivered at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: Data were collected prospectively for the study cohort at a tertiary care hospital unit in Islamabad, Pakistan. Placental and birth weight obtained and documented immediately post-delivery. Information about maternal factors was obtained from medical records. A linear regression model was employed to predict the effects of various risk factors on BW:PW. Results: Fetal weight varied from 2 to 4.5 kg with a mean of 3.016 ± 0.445 kg whereas mean placental weight was 0.667 kg (SD = 0.175). Fetal placental weight ratio (FPWR) existed in the range of 2.54 to 7.91 (mean = 4.732 ± 1.082). Anemia, p < 0.001 and pregnancy-induced hypertension p=0.001, can influence the weight of the placenta. Conclusion: The average placental weight reference values obtained represented the diverse multi-ethnic population residing in Islamabad, Pakistan. The correlation between placental weight and the birth weight to placental weight ratio offered valuable insights into how the placenta adapted to the various challenges posed by the various stages of pregnancy