SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION IN RELATION OF PLACENTA IN 2ND TRIMESTER

Abstract

Background: The placenta plays a vital role in fetal growth and development by providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Abnormal placental structure may lead to placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Ultrasonography during the second trimester is an important tool for assessing placental morphology and fetal growth.

Objective: To assess the relationship between second trimester placental structure and intrauterine growth restriction of fetus using ultrasonography.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital over a period of six months. A total of 130 pregnant women in the second trimester with singleton pregnancies were included. Placental structure, placental thickness, placental maturity, echotexture, and placental location were assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Fetal biometric parameters including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length were measured to estimate fetal weight using Hadlock formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: The study demonstrated a significant association between abnormal placental structure and fetal growth restriction. Thin placenta, heterogeneous placental echotexture, advanced placental maturity, and low placental implantation were more frequently observed in fetuses with reduced estimated fetal weight. Placental thickness showed a positive correlation with fetal growth parameters, while abnormal placental findings were associated with increased incidence of IUGR.

Conclusion: Second trimester ultrasound assessment of placental structure is a useful predictor of fetal growth restriction. Placental abnormalities including reduced placental thickness and abnormal placental morphology are significantly associated with impaired fetal growth and may help in early identification of high-risk pregnancies.