Assessing the Relationship Between Placental Grading and Pregnancy Complications
Background: Placental development plays a fundamental role in ensuring a successful pregnancy. The placenta performs essential physiological, immunological, and endocrine functions and facilitates the exchange of gases between the maternal and fetal circulations. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of placental maturity on pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women in Najaf City. Setting and Design: A purposive sample of 100 pregnant women diagnosed at Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital and Private Clinics in Najaf City was included in this study. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from obstetric ultrasound examinations, patients’ medical records, and a structured data collection tool specifically developed for the purposes of this study. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between placental maturity and pregnancy outcomes. Results: Cesarean section was performed in 62% of the women. Anemia was reported in 93% of the participants, while 87% of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension were diagnosed with preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, or gestational hypertension. Among the neonates, 87% had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), 68% were delivered by cesarean section, and 80% required neonatal resuscitation. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that 85% of the participants were between 36 and 39 weeks of gestation. Placental grade was significantly associated with gestational age, neonatal resuscitation, stillbirth, gestational hypertension, and meconium.