Abstract
Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy pose significant risks for maternal and foetal health, often leading to placental abnormalities that compromise foetal development. This study investigates the quantitative aspects of placental morphometry in hypertensive mothers attending Fati Lami Sir Yahaya Hospital, Birnin Kebbi. A cross-sectional study was conducted over eight weeks, comparing placental weight, area, and circumference between hypertensive and normotensive mothers. A total of 27 placentas were analysed, comprising 12 from hypertensive mothers and 15 from normotensive controls. The placenta weighed significantly less in hypertensive mothers' pregnancies (446.7 ± 64.89 g) than in normotensive mothers' pregnancies (846.7 ± 291.7 g). There was a strong positive correlation between placental weight and baby weight in hypertensive pregnancies (Pearson correlation = 0.9539, p < 0.0001). Placental area was also significantly lower in hypertensive pregnancies (209.9 ± 26.76 cm²) compared to normotensive pregnancies (327.2 ± 41.79 cm²). Similarly, placental circumference was reduced in hypertensive mothers (54.67 ± 3.789 cm) relative to normotensive mothers (70.19 ± 4.705 cm). These findings align with previous studies that indicate that hypertensive disorders adversely affect placental morphology, leading to impaired foetal growth due to reduced placental efficiency. The study underscores the need for routine placental assessments in maternal care to identify potential complications early in hypertensive pregnancies. It further recommends targeted interventions, including regular blood pressure monitoring, nutritional support, and timely medical intervention to mitigate the risks associated with placental insufficiency. Future research with larger sample sizes and detailed histological assessments is warranted to enhance understanding of the relationship between hypertensive disorders and placental development. These insights could contribute to improved maternal and foetal outcomes in hypertensive pregnancies.
Keywords: Investigation, Quantitative, Placental Morphometry, Hypertensive Mothers Sir Yahaya Hospital.