Abstract Introduction: The placenta being the bridge between maternal and fetal activity, is considered as a window through which understanding of various maternal disorders and their effect on fetal wellbeing can be obtained. Anemia in pregnancy constitutes a significant public health problem in developing countries. The objective was to assess the effect of maternal anemia on the morphometry of placenta and to correlate the analysis with fetal outcome. Material and Methods: The present study comprised of 151 cases admitted in obstetrics ward. Patients were divided into Control (101 cases) and Study groups as anemia group (50 cases). The placentas were studied in relation to its morphometric and macroscopic changes and their comparison with normal cases. The fetal parameters were also studied in the same cases and compared with normal cases. Results: The morphoSayee Rajangam metric parameters of placenta like weight, diameter and placental coefficient were significantly increased in anemia group compared to control group. Rest of the parameters like number of cotyledons, thickness was significantly lower in study group. Birth weight and head circumference of the newborn was significantly reduced in study group as compared to control group. Placental weight had significant correlation with birth weight of newborn. Discussion: Examination of the placenta can yield information that may be important in the immediate and later management of mother and infant. This information may also be essential for protecting the attending physician in the event of an adverse maternal or fetal outcome.
Keywords: Placenta; Maternal Anemia; Fetal Outcome.