Reference values for the weight of freshly delivered term placentas and for placental weight-birth weight ratios

Abstract

Background: There is evidence for a correlation between placental weight and future chronic disease, notably hypertension and diabetes. However, there are no reference scales for placentas that are readily weighed in the delivery room.

Methods: This cross-sectional study generated reference values for the weight of freshly delivered untrimmed placentas, and placental weight-birth weight (pw/bw) ratios from a database of 11,141 uncomplicated singleton term pregnancies (37-42 weeks). The data analysis followed stringent validated and state of the art methodological recommendations. A regression model was fitted to estimate the mean and standard deviation for placental weight and pw/bw ratios at each week of gestational age.

Results: Reference scales, percentile tables and regression equations are presented for placental weights according to the mode of delivery and for pw/bw ratios. Mean placental weight from vaginal deliveries was 76 g lighter than from Caesarean sections (545+/-107 g versus 621+/-139 g, respectively, P<0.05). Mean placental weight increased by 60 g from 37 to 42 weeks irrespective of the mode of delivery. The pw/bw ratio decreased from 17.6 to 15.6 between 37 and 42 weeks.

Conclusion: For the first time, reference values for freshly delivered term placental weights depending on the mode of delivery were generated. In the light of growing evidence for a correlation of placental weight with chronic diseases in later life, these values provide the possibility to judge placentas at site for abnormalities in weight and to estimate the potential risks for chronic diseases in later life.