Presence and Size of Placental Lakes on 20-Week Fetal Anatomy Ultrasound and Obstetrical Outcomes

J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2024 Apr 13;46(6):102458. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102458. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Our objective was to determine if placental lake presence or size is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort of patients who had fetal anatomy ultrasounds at 18-22 weeks and delivered between 2018 and 2022. Placental lakes were classified as small (>2.0 to 3.9 cm) or large (≥4 cm). Multiple gestations, placenta previas, and placenta accretas were excluded. Outcomes included low birthweight, cesarean delivery, primary cesarean for non-reassuring fetal heart tracing, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and severe preeclampsia. A total of 1052 patients were included; 294 had placental lakes (204 small, 90 large). No differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed.

Keywords: adverse pregnancy outcomes; placental lakes; preeclampsia; preterm birth; small for gestational age.