Placental volume measurement by 3D-ultrasound in the first trimester and prediction of fetal growth

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (IUGR) and macrosomia are associated with increased morbidity and mortality of the newborn. Increase in uterine blood flow resistance and reduction of placental size may be of clinical relevance in IUGR but not in macrosomia. It is on this background that we investigated whether placental volume measurement by 3D-ultrasound and uterine artery Doppler in the first trimester allow prediction of fetal weight at birth. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancy and gestational age between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks. Exclusion criteria were: smoking, pre-existing diabetes, f…