Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Placental Thickness in Normal Singleton Pregnancies for Estimation of Gestational Age in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background Ultrasonography is so far the most effective and safest method of estimating gestational age (GA). A new parameter, placental thickness (PT), can be used to evaluate the placental growth and estimate the age of the fetus in normal pregnancies. Studies have shown as a general rule that placental thickness in mm corresponds to the GA in weeks. Aim The goal of the study was to correlate placental thickness, measured at the level of insertion of the umbilical cord, using the ultrasonographic GA in uncomplicated. The mean value together with corresponding standard deviation was computed from the 14th to 40th gestational week. Methodology A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was done in Kenyatta National Hospital, department of radiology. The study was carried out over a period of six months, from June 2019 to December 2019. All patients referred for obstetric scans were normal singleton pregnancy between 14-40 weeks meeting the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and fifty two patients meeting the inclusion criteria were conveniently selected. Results The placental thickness was found to increase with increase in gestational age. A strong positive correlation was found between the two. Placental thickness was thicker by 1-3mm up to 22 weeks gestation, almost exact at 23-33 weeks and was less by 0.5-5mm after 33 weeks. A strong positive correlation was demonstrated between the placental thickness and the fetal biometric parameters. Placental location did not affect the placental thickness.

Conclusion

• Placental thickness increases with increase in gestational age.

• A strong positive correlation exists between placental thickness and gestational age.

• A positive correlation between placental thickness and fetal biometric parameters is found.

• There was no statistically significant difference in the placental thickness in relation to the placental location.

Recommendations

• Placental thickness can be added and used with the fetal biometric parameters to estimate gestational age in normal singleton pregnancies.