Gopal C. Mondal1, Anupam Baske2*, Sharmistha Biswas3
1Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, N.R.S. Medical College,
Kolkata, India
2Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, B. S. Medical College, Bankura,
West Bengal, India
3Professor, Department of Anatomy, Malda Medical College, Malda, West
Bengal, India
*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Anupam Baske, Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, B. S. Medical College, Kolkata B J 145, Sector 2, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091, India
ABSTRACT- Placenta is the mirror of fetomaternal status.
The effect of anemia in pregnancy can be diverse and detrimental to the mother
and the fetus. This prompted us to carry out the present study, which aimed to
observe and compare the morphological features of placenta at term in anemic
and non-anemic mothers of North Bengal and to find out the clinical relevance
of such structural changes.
Total 30 placentas were collected from each group of selected
patients after delivery at labor room. Examination of placenta was conducted
according to proforma. A general survey of umbilical cord, membranes, fetal
surface, and maternal surface was carried out. The diameters were measured,
area was estimated, and shape was noted. Placenta and fetus was weighed in the
same scale. The volume was estimated by water displacement method.
In anemic mothers, mean baby birth weight was found to be
significantly less than that of control group. The mean placental weight in
test group was significantly increased in comparison to controls. The mean
placental volume and mean placental area in case of test group were
significantly increased. Occurrence of morphological features, like
subchorionic fibrosis; retroplacental clot, gross calcification, or placental
infarction etc were found to be significantly higher in anemic mothers in
comparison to non-anemic group.
In the present study, it was proved that placenta has considerable
functional reserve capacity. It tends to limit the ill-effects of tissue injury
and of unfavorable maternal milieu like anemia. Our findings were in accordance
with the previous studies in this field.
Key-words- Placenta, Maternal anaemia, Morphological changes,
Placental weight
