Methods: 112 placentae samples were investigated during the period from August 2007 to August 2008 under light microscopefor mother aged 15 - 45 years old.Results: It was found that normal placental shapes had no correlation to mother age, while abnormal shapes were found more inyoung age groups. The better placental measured parameters were found in mother age 20-24 years. The percentages ofabnormal umbilical cord insertion were very high compared to other studies. Babies’ gender had a correlation with theplacental thickness; male babies have thicker placentae than females. Male babies have longer umbilical cords with widerdiameter than females. Light microscope picture showed the chorionic villi with isolated fetal blood vessel were higher innumber in 20-24 years old mothers than other, and the package arrangement increased with age.Conclusions: The best placental parameters both grossly and histologically found in mothers aged 20-24 years old. Mothersyounger than 20 years old found to have abnormal insertions of the umbilical cord
University of Baghdad
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