Gross placental anomalies and their association with newborn outcomes: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Correlating gross placentas abnormalities with perinatal outcomes is crucial for understanding their clinical impact. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gross placentas anomalies within a sample of Kurdish women after delivery and subsequently assess the association between these anomalies with early neonatal outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the labor ward of Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq between 15th of August 2023, and 14th of August 2024 on 500 freshly delivered placentas from term newborns. Placentas morphological and structural anomalies were identified and correlated with maternal demographic and early neonatal outcomes. Placental morphological anomalies (weight, diameter, and thickness) were linked to maternal preeclampsia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and anemia. Gross anomalies significantly impacted early neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores, birth weight, NICU admission, neonatal deaths). Conclusion: A significant placental abnormalities are common and strongly correlated with adverse neonatal outcomes, particularly when maternal medical disorders are present. Therefore placental assessment is vital for predicting and preventing these outcomes.