Placental weight percentile curves in a Danish population

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe role of the placenta is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and a well‐functioning placenta is vital to fetal health. Our aim was to develop placental weight percentile curves adjusted by gestational age, and stratified by major maternal comorbidities.Material and methodsThe study was a population study in a Danish cohort. Data was drawn from The Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. We included singleton births with a gestational age of 22 + 0 to 42 + 6 weeks. We excluded multiple pregnancies, stillbirths and retained placentas. A total of 611 418 placentas were included. Percentile line graphs were created in groups of all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders.ResultsTables and figures are presented for placental weight percentile curves according to gestational age for all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders, respectively. Placental weight was generally higher in the diabetic placentas, and lower in the hypertensive placentas.ConclusionsThese percentile curves may serve as a reference for other populations, and may be useful for other studies investigating the role of the placenta in relation to pregnancy outcomes, and health in later life.