SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF FETAL PLACENTAL LOCATION IN GESTATIONAL DIABETIC PATIENTS IN THIRD TRIMESTER
Keywords:
Placental location, Gestational Diabetes, Second trimester, Pregnancy, Ultrasound assessment, Fetal growth, Prenatal imaging, Obstetric ultrasound, Placenta Previa.Abstract
Background: Pregnancy involves complex physiological adaptations to support fetal growth and development. The placenta plays a vital role as the interface for nutrient, gas, and waste exchange between mother and fetus. Its structure and function directly influence fetal outcomes. Placental location plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal outcomes, especially in high-risk pregnancies such as those complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Abnormal placental position has been associated with increased risks of placenta previa, abnormal placental adherence, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Ultrasonography remains the most reliable, safe, and non-invasive modality for evaluating placental location.
Objective: My study aimed to assess the placental location in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus using ultrasound and to determine the frequency of various placental positions in this high-risk population.
Methodology: It was cross-sectional study conducted at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital. A total of 196 pregnant females in third trimester were scanned. This cross-sectional study will include pregnant women diagnosed with GDM after 24 weeks of gestation. A standardized obstetric ultrasound examination will be performed to determine placental location, categorized as anterior, posterior, fundal, low-lying, or placenta previa. Relevant maternal and clinical data was also recorded. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation to assess the relationship between placental thickness and fetal weight.
Results: The study is expected to identify the distribution of placental locations among GDM patients and explore any associations between GDM and abnormal placental positioning.
