Anatomical and Histological Features of Placentae of Different Age Groups

Abstract

Objectives: To study the structure of placentae of different age groups and relate that to the newborn baby and the mother.Methods: 112 placentae samples were investigated during the period from August 2007 to August 2008 under light microscope for mother aged 15 - 45 years old.Results: It was found that normal placental shapes had no correlation to mother age, while abnormal shapes were found more in young age groups. The better placental measured parameters were found in mother age 20-24 years. The percentages of abnormal umbilical cord insertion were very high compared to other studies. Babies’ gender had a correlation with the placental thickness; male babies have thicker placentae than females. Male babies have longer umbilical cords with wider diameter than females. Light microscope picture showed the chorionic villi with isolated fetal blood vessel were higher in number in 20-24 years old mothers than other, and the package arrangement increased with age. Conclusions: The best placental parameters both grossly and histologically found in mothers aged 20-24 years old. Mothers younger than 20 years old found to have abnormal insertions of the umbilical cord.Keywords: Placenta; mother age; umbilical cord; placentae location.