FETAL LUNG MATURITY PREDICTION BY PLACENTAL GRADE AND BIPARIETAL DIAMETER

Fetal lung maturity was studied in 108 singleton pregnancies. Placental grades and biparietal diameter measurements were recorded. Of these. 58 also had amniocentesis for lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio, phosphatidylglycerol and foam test. Factors such as maternal age, race, parity, and fetal sex were also studied to see if they influenced the placental grading. Placental grading appeared to be more advanced among those with first gravida who subsequently gave birth to a male offspring. When the placental grade was Ⅰ, Ⅱ, or Ⅲ and the biparietal diameter ≥ 8.7 cm, fetal lungs were all biochemically mature and none of the neonates developed respiratory distress syndrome after delivery. Utilizing both placental grading and biparietal diameter, fetal lung maturity could be predicted accurately, making amniocentesis unnecessary.