Comparative Assessment of Ultrasound Placental Findings in Small for Gestational Age and Normal-Weight Fetuses

Background Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to newborns whose birth weight is less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. The aim of this study was to provide a comparative assessment of ultrasound placental findings in SGA and normal-weight fetuses in singleton pregnant women. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total number of 112 singleton pregnant women who were in their second trimester and referred to Shariati and Imam Khomeini hospitals, Tehran, Iran, during 2016-17 were selected. Ultrasound placental findings were assessed in SGA and normal-weight fetuses. Fetal and maternal indices were also assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0). Results There was a significant relationship between maternal age and IUGR (0.026); while no significant relationship was found between gestational age and IUGR (p=0.185). No statistically significant difference existed between male and female fetuses in terms of IUGR (p=0.542). The highest artery Doppler systolic-diastolic pressure ratio was found in EFW<5th percentile which showed a statistically significant difference with other groups (p<0.01). Uterine artery resistance indices (UARI) in <5th percentile and >90th percentile groups were the highest and lowest respectively with a statistically significant difference with other groups (p<0.01). Amniotic fluid index was the lowest in 5-10th percentile and <5th percentile groups (p<0.01). Conclusion Based on the results, SGA incidence was significantly related to maternal pregnancy age, artery Doppler systolic-diastolic pressure ratio, UARI, AFI, and placental thickness. As such, ultrasound methods can be employed during pregnancy to detect SGA incidence.