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Ultrasonographic evaluation of changes in placental location with the advance in gestation
Author(s) -
Luria M.,
Diamant Y. Z.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2001.abs18-4.x
Subject(s) - gestation , medicine , placenta , obstetrics , placenta previa , pregnancy , parity (physics) , cervix , gynecology , fetus , biology , genetics , physics , particle physics , cancer
Purpose: To evaluate the change in location of the placenta during pregnancy and the actual increase in the distance between the internal oss and lower placental margins in relation to the advance in gestation. Methods: A total of 37 pregnant women were scanned three times during pregnancy: the first time between 14 and 22 weeks' gestation, the second between 23 and 29 weeks' gestation and the last between 30 and 34 week's gestation. Examinations were performed by two qualified examiners. Placenta and cervix were allocated and distance between the lower placental margin and the interval oss was measured. Examinations were either transvaginal or transabdominal, depending on patients' cooperation. Results: Gradual increase in the distance between the placental margin and the internal oss was found. Mean value of 50.8 mm at 14–22 weeks increased to 111.6 mm at 30–34 weeks. Significant statistical difference was found between first, second and third measurements. Effect of maternal age on these changes was evaluated too and was found not to affect this phenomenon. Borderline results were found regarding the effect of parity. Conclusions: Low‐lying placenta in early pregnancy is a known phenomenon. Little is known about quantitative change in placental location with advance in gestation. In the present study, we tried to quantitate the change. We found gradual, consistent and significant increase in the distance between placental margin and internal oss along gestation. This change increased with increase in parity in spite of the fact that parity is a risk factor for placenta previa. The present quantitative evaluation of placental location can serve as a predictor of low‐lying placenta.