Macroscopic morphological variation of human placenta in normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant mothers, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The normal growth and development of the fetus depends on the proper growth and functioning of the placenta. The macroscopic morphology of the placenta is highly affected by pre-eclampsia. This study was carried out to assess macroscopic morphological variation of the human placenta among normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant mothers in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 term placentas. One hundred fifty placentas from normotensive mothers and 50 placentas from pre-eclamptic mothers were included in the study. Placental parameters such as shape, weight, diameter, thickness and number of cotyledons were examined. Fetal weight was also detected. The data were analyzed by using independent two-sample t-test and chi-square test. According to this study, the majority (68%) of placentas in normotensive participants were discoidshaped and 18% oval. While 54% of placenta in pre-eclamptic mothers were oval-shaped and 24% were irregular. Mean placental weight, diameter and number of cotyledon in pregnant mothers with pre-eclampsia were significantly reduced as compared to normotensive mothers. The mean birth weight in pre-eclamptic pregnancies was significantly (p = 0.0001) lower than the mean birth weight in normotensive pregnancies. As a conclusion, mean fetal weight, placental weight, diame