Analysis of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) on Placental Morphometry and Its Effects on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes at Sir Yahaya Hospital

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health, often leading to placental abnormalities that compromise fetal development. This study investigated the quantitative aspects of placental morphometry in hypertensive mothers attending Fati Lami Sir Yahaya Hospital, Birnin Kebbi. A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight weeks, comparing placental weight, area, and circumference between hypertensive and normotensive mothers. A total of 27 placentae were analyzed, comprising 12 from hypertensive mothers and 15 from normotensive controls. Results revealed a significant reduction in placental weight among hypertensive mothers (446.7 ± 64.89 g) compared to normotensive mothers (846.7 ± 291.7 g), with a strong positive correlation between placental weight and baby weight in hypertensive pregnancies (Pearson correlation = 0.9539, p < 0.0001). Placental area was also significantly lower in hypertensive pregnancies (209.9 ± 26.76 cm²) compared to normotensive pregnancies (327.2 ± 41.79 cm²). Similarly, placental circumference was reduced in hypertensive mothers (54.67 ± 3.789 cm) relative to normotensive mothers (70.19 ± 4.705 cm). These findings align with previous studies indicating that hypertensive disorders adversely affect placental morphology, leading to impaired fetal growth due to reduced placental efficiency. The study underscores the need for routine placental assessments in maternal care to identify potential complications early in hypertensive pregnancies. It further recommends targeted interventions, including regular blood pressure monitoring, nutritional support, and timely medical intervention to mitigate the risks associated with placental insufficiency.