Clinical Correlation of Placental Pathology in Medical Disorders of Pregnancy and Its Comparison in Normal Pregnancy.

Introduction The placenta serves as the vital interface between mother and fetus, reflecting maternal and fetal health. Pregnancy-related disorders such as gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, and eclampsia can cause structural and functional placental alterations, leading to adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted over two months in the Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Thirty-seven placentas from 36 pregnancies were examined following informed consent. Gross morphology and histopathological features were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and correlated with maternal clinical data. Results Mean placental weight was highest in diabetic pregnancies (716 g) and lowest in PIH and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (450 g). The most frequent histopathological findings included increased syncytial knots (86.4%), fibrinoid necrosis (81%), hemorrhage (78.3%), chorangiosis (75.6%), and calcification (67.5%). Medial vessel wall thickening, avascular villi, and calcification were primarily associated with hypertensive disorders, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency. Similar but less severe lesions, such as hemorrhage and fibrinoid necrosis, were also noted in normal placentas. Conclusion Common placental lesions, particularly syncytial knot formation, fibrinoid necrosis, and chorangiosis, were observed across both normal and complicated pregnancies, with higher frequency and severity in maternal disorders. These findings underscore the placenta's diagnostic value as a sensitive indicator of maternal vascular and hypoxic changes, emphasizing its importance in understanding pregnancy complications and fetal outcomes.