Association of Placental Morphometry with Neonatal Birth Weight in a Semi-urban Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Placental morphometry, including weight, circumference, and cotyledon count, plays a critical role in foetal growth and neonatal outcomes. Understanding the associations between these parameters and birth weight may provide valuable insights for the early detection of growth abnormalities. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between placental weight, circumference, and cotyledon count with neonatal birth weight in a semi-urban population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 mother-newborn pairs delivering at term at Dr.D.Y.Patil Medical College Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, India, from October to December 2024. Systematic sampling was used. Placental weight, circumference, and cotyledon count were measured post-delivery. Neonatal birth weight was recorded. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression were performed, adjusting for maternal age, parity, and Body Mass Index (BMI). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 26.5±3.8 years, with a mean BMI of 24.8±2.5 kg/m2 . Primiparous women constituted 56.7% of the participants, and 51.7% of the newborns were male. Pearson’s correlation analysis identified that placental weight (r=0.75, p-value <0.001) showed the strongest correlation with birth weight, followed by circumference (r=0.68, p-value <0.001) and cotyledon count (r=0.59, p-value <0.001). Regression analysis identified placental weight (β=0.52, p-value <0.001), circumference (β=0.33, p-value <0.01), and cotyledon count (β=0.24, p-value <0.05) as significant predictors. The mean birth weight to placental weight (BW: PW) ratio was 6.15±1.2. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the association between placental morphometry and neonatal birth weight, with placental weight being the strongest predictor.Hence,these findings can contribute in improving neonatal outcomes in semiurban settings.