Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Jesche, J.
Determinants of Placental Growth in vivo.
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Graz Medical University; 2009. pp. 93
[OPEN ACCESS]
FullText
- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Jesche-Chromecki Johanna
- Advisor:
- Desoye Gernot
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: Placental weight reflects fetal development during pregnancy and, on a population basis, may predict the development of diseases in adulthood. Yet it has received less attention in obstetrics in contrast to the fetal weight Methods: This thesis reviews 54 articles of primary medical literature and of international databases like PubMed published between 1956 and February 2009. The effect of on placental weight of variables such as the mode of preparation, gender of the newborn, parity, multiple gestations, ethnicity, maternal nutrition and maternal exercise during gestation was analyzed. Results: Placentas with cord and amnion attached and blood not drained (untrimmed) are heavier on average by 16% than trimmed placentas. Placentas of male infants tend to be slightly higher than those placenta weights of female infants. Moreover parity has a major influence on the placental weight. Placentas of first pregnancies show a significantly lower weight than placentas of multiparous women. In case of twin pregnancies the mean value of the placental weight per fetus is on average 74g and in triplet pregnancies 117g lower than the placental weight in singleton pregnancies. In addition ethnicity influences placental weight as well. Europeans, specifically Caucasians, show higher placental weights as compared to the Asian population. A further aspect, which influences placental weight, is maternal nutrition. Mild maternal undernutrition throughout early pregnancy has a positive effect on placental growth and leads to increased placental weight, whereas high energy intake in the first trimester is associated with lower placental weights. Also maternal exercise during gestation influences placental development. A significantly greater placental volume has been observed in women, who regularly performed 20 minutes of weight-bearing exercise throughout pregnancy. However, an intensity increase of exercise in late pregnancy has been associated with a decrease of placental weight. Conclusion: In addition to the genetic make up of the fetus a range of maternal factors have an effect on placental development and weight. The placenta should be monitored throughout pregnancy, because pathologic changes in placental development will affect fetal growth. Placental weight can serve as an indicator for placental and hence fetal growth.