Relationship between first trimester placental volume and fetal maternal outcomes

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of first-trimester placental volume measurement as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal growth retardation, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preterm placental abruption. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out between February 1, 2022 and October 31, 2022, in Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. According to the last menstrual date or first trimester ultrasonography, 82 singleton pregnant women between 11 and 13+6 weeks were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the cases was 25.55 ± 4.18 years. According to ultrasonography, the mean week of placental volume evaluation was 12.49 ± 0.63 weeks, and the mean placental volume was 22.66 ± 6.75 cm3. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was found in 11.0% of the cases, and gestational hypertension (GHT) was found in 9.8% of the cases. Delivery type was 48.8% cesarean section. The most common indications for cesarean section were fetal distress and prolonged labor (12.2%). After delivery, 11.0% of newborns needed intensive care unit (ICU). The most common indications for admission to the ICU were premature respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn with a rate of 3.7%. Mean week of delivery was 39.26 ± 1.50 weeks, and birth weight was 3168.11 ± 444.57 g. A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between mean placental volume, mother's body weight and gestational week (p<0.05). It was determined that the mean placental volume in the first trimester did not change statistically according to the type of delivery, admission to the ICU, and development of GDM and GHT (p>0.05). It was found that first trimester mean placental volume could not statistically predict the development of GDM or GHT at any cut-off point (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that first trimester placental volume was not associated with pathologies such as GDM and GHT that may occur during pregnancy, delivery type, birth weight of the baby, need for ICU after delivery, and APGAR score. It was observed that the placental volume increased as the mother's body weight and gestational week increased. 40 Keywords: Placental volume, pregnancy outcomes, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, neonatal outcome