Fetal gender-specific difference for placental volume assessed with 3D-ultrasonography

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fetal gender in placental volume and placental mean gray value assessed by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography.

Methods

This case-control prospective study consisted of 60 healthy singleton pregnancies, 29 of which were male fetuses and 31 of which were female fetuses which were matched for gestational age, maternal age and parity. Placental volume and placental volumetric mean gray values were evaluated. Umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices were calculated.

Results

Placental volume was 296.93 ± 108.08 and 399.12 ± 135.08 cm3 in male and female group, respectively (p=0.012). Mean gray value of the placenta was 39.68 ± 7.83 and 39.27 ± 7.22 in male and female group, respectively (p=0.863). Umbilical artery PI was 1.03 ± 0.21 and 1.00 ± 0.24 in male and female group (p= 0.761) and MCA PI was 1.84 ± 0.85 and 2.16 ± 0.67 in male and female group, respectively (p= 0.197).

Conclusion

Female fetuses have larger placental volumes which may contribute to get better through the adverse maternal environmental conditions.

Keywords

Placental volume, 3D ultrasonography, Gender-specific difference