BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 May 25. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-09333-5. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The placenta and umbilical cord play a crucial role in fetal growth, development, and neonatal survival. Although extensively studied in developed countries, quantitative data on placental and umbilical cord morphology in preeclampsia are scarce in Ghana. This study aimed to assess the gross morphometry of preeclamptic placentae and umbilical cords and their relationship with neonatal indices.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 freshly delivered placentae (100 normotensive; 52 preeclamptic) at the Holy Family Hospital, Berekum, Ghana. Maternal data collected included age, parity, blood pressure, and occupation. Standard anthropometric techniques were used for placental and umbilical cord measurements after they were fixed with 10% neutral buffered formalin. Statistical analyses included t-test, Chi-square, and Spearman correlation, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: Placental and umbilical cord indices differed significantly between preeclamptic and normotensive groups, except for cord length. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between placental and cord indices and neonatal outcomes, but not with neonatal length. Placentae were more often oval, and cords were eccentrically inserted in preeclamptic births compared to normotensive births.
CONCLUSIONS: Preeclampsia is associated with altered placental and umbilical cord morphology and reduced neonatal growth indices. These findings provide baseline data to support multidisciplinary strategies for improved management and pregnancy outcomes in Ghana.
PMID:42178540 | DOI:10.1186/s12884-026-09333-5
