Mother’s lifetime nutrition and the size, shape and efficiency of the placenta

Abstract Background Studies have shown that the shape and size of the placenta at birth predict blood pressure in later life. The influences that determine placental morphology are largely unknown. We have examined the role of mother’s body size. Methods We studied 522 neonates who were born in a maternity hospital in Mysore, South India. The weight of the placenta and the length and breadth of its surface, were measured after delivery. Results Higher maternal fat mass predicted a larger placental surface ( p = 0.02), while larger maternal head circumference predicted a more oval placental surface ( p = 0.03). Higher maternal fat mass and larger maternal head circumference were associated with greater placental efficiency, indicated by lower ratios of the length ( p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0001 respectively) and breadth ( p = 0.0002 and p