The full form of PW in medical term is “Placental Weight.”
The placenta is a very important organ that develops in a pregnant woman’s uterus during pregnancy. Placental weight is the weight of the placenta at the time of delivery, and it plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
The weight of the placenta varies from one pregnancy to another, and it depends on various factors such as gestational age, maternal age, maternal health, and the baby’s size. Typically, the weight of a healthy placenta at full-term ranges from 500 to 600 grams. However, in some cases, the placenta may weigh more or less than the average weight.
An abnormally heavy or large placenta, known as placenta hypertrophy, can cause several complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Placenta hypertrophy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. In severe cases, it can cause placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, leading to excessive bleeding during delivery.
On the other hand, a small or underweight placenta, known as placenta insufficiency, can also lead to several complications. Placenta insufficiency occurs when the placenta fails to provide adequate nutrients and oxygen to the growing foetus. It is connected to an increased risk of stillbirth, foetal growth restriction, and preterm birth.
The weight of the placenta can also provide valuable information about the baby’s health and well-being. In cases where the placenta is abnormally small or large, doctors may conduct additional tests to assess the baby’s growth and development.