الفهرس 
Fetal WeightOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The human placenta develops with the principal function of providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Normal development of placenta during gestation is necessary for supporting of a healthy fetus. The definitive placenta is clearly visible on ultrasound from approximately 9–10 weeks of gestation, when it demonstrates a uniformly granular echogenic pattern. Ultrasonography (US) enables the evaluation of the placenta and the detection of placental abnormalities using different parameters such as placental thickness and volume or especial techniques like three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler. Abnormally thick placentas have been correlated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Aim: The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to investigate the relationship between placental thickness during the second and third trimesters and placental and birth weights. Subjects and Methods: This study included 395 pregnant women who underwent routine ultrasound examination in the second and third trimester during which placental thickness and estimated fetal weight were recorded using Shepard formula, and were followed up for their pregnancy outcome and birth weight. Results: The mean age of cases was 25±3 years. Values of mean birth weight were 3243 ± 402 grams, Values of mean placental weight were 511 ± 64 grams. There was a significant positive correlation between placental thickness and birth weight in the second and third trimesters. Conclusion: Measurement of Placental Thickness by U/S is a good predictor tool for estimating the fetal weight. Recommendations: Measurements of placental Thickness should be included as separate items on routine U/S reports and can be included in sonographic formula with other parameters as BPD, FL and AC for most accurate fetal weight estimation.