Placental morphometric and morphologic alterations in maternal undernutrition

Abstract

Placentas, mothers, and neonates belonging to different socioeconomic groups were examined for morphometric and gross morphologic changes to assess the effect of maternal undernutrition. The mean maternal caloric intakes for socioeconomic Groups I, II, and III + IV are 2,919, 2,420, and 1,589 calories per day, respectively, and differences were significant (P < 0.001). The mean protein intakes were respectively 76.1, 67.3, and 52.0 Gm. per day for socioeconomic Groups I, II, and III + IV, respectively (p < 0.001). The birth weight, placental weight, volume, surface area, and number of cotyledon showed significantly decreasing trends (P < 0.001) with the fall in socioeconomic group and maternal dietary intakes. Placentas of socioeconomic Group I had significantly higher incidence of well-defined cotyledons and central cord attachment. In lower socioeconomic groups and small-for-dates placentas there was significantly higher incidence of hemorrhages. There were no changes in incidences of placental infarcts, calcifications, and degeneration in various socioeconomic groups. © 1976.