The relationship between newborn weight and the weight of its placenta at term in Masyaf, Syria

Abstract

Background: The placenta is an organ that regulates fetal growth and affects the wellbeing of the fetus and the newborn. The aim of this study is to determine the average weight of placentas and neonates, and to evaluate the relationship between neonatal weight, placental weight and the effect of placental morphological deformations on these elements in Syria, as studies in Syria remain limited.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Masyaf General Hospital, Syria, from July 1st to August 31st, 2024. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire and by directly measuring the weights of the placenta and newborn of 186 participants at full-term, healthy, pregnancies (37+0 - 41+0 weeks). Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results: The mean of neonatal weight was 3017.47±374.78 g, the mean of placental weight was 535.08±117.76 g and the mean of neonatal weight-to-placental weight ratio was 5.826±1.04. A significant positive correlation was observed between placental weight and neonatal weight (Pearson’s r=0.603; p=0.01) and no statistically significant correlation was found between neonatal weight, maternal body mass index, age, smoking status and wrapping of the umbilical cord around neonate’s neck. Neonates born at 40 weeks had significantly higher birth weight, while placental weight was higher both at 37 and 40 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion: Placental weight was significantly correlated with neonatal birth weight. The higher birth weight is at 40 weeks of gestation. This study provides reference data for the Syrian population and highlights the need for larger studies to establish national reference standards.