Abstract
In this work an attempt has been made to evaluate the concept of postmaturity; to define any histological changes in the placenta which would support the concept and, if possible, to find a method of confirming the diagnosis postpartum.
It has long been known that degeneration occurs in the ageing placenta. Of recent years biochemical evidence has been presented to support the theory that the placenta does in fact become inefficient in its task of supporting the foetus. It would not be surprising then if one were able to demonstrate significant changes of a general nature in the overage placenta.
With this aim a series of placentas and umbilical cords was examined histologically. The maternal records were then studied and an attempt made to correlate significant histological changes with the duration of the pregnancy as calculated by Naegele’s Rule.
To substantiate the validity of Naegele’s Rule as a method of determining the duration of pregnancy, foetal haemoglobin estimations were carried out on a number of umbilical cord bloods and the results correlated with the clinical data. The weights of the infants were tabulated throughout, not as a criterion of prolonged gestation, but to test the contention that the emphasis on overweight in postmaturity is fallacious.
The results of these investigations tend to support the theory that placental insufficiency is liable to develop in prolonged gestation.