Morphometric parameters of the placenta and umbilical cord during full-term pregnancy

Objective. To define the diagnostic and prognostic value of the major morphometric parameters of the umbilical cord and placenta for full-term neonates. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 123 full-term newborn infants. The length and diameter of the umbilical cord, the maximum and minimum diameters of the placenta, its weight and umbilical cord blood volume were measured immediately after delivery of the placenta. Results. The morphometric parameters of the umbilical cord and placenta during full-term pregnancy were found to show a rather wide range of values. One cm of the umbilical cord contained an average of 0.5 ml of blood and its amount sequestered in the entire umbilical cord averaged 29.97%, amounting to 9.52% of the neonatal circulating blood volume. The length of the umbilical cord was shown to be directly related to all major anthropometric parameters at birth: weight, height, head and chest circumferences. Its diameter was correlated with the specific features of the early neonatal period. Conclusion. The standards and values of placental and umbilical cord morphometric parameters were determined to predict the course of an early neonatal period. Calculating the amount of blood sequestered in the umbilical cord allows blood transfusion volume from the umbilical cord to a baby to be estimated immediately after birth.

neonatal infant, umbilical cord, placenta, morphology