Abstract
The intrauterine environment has a strong influence on pregnancy outcome. The placenta
and the umbilical cord together form the main supply line of the fetus. Amniotic fluid
also serves important functions. These three main components decide whether there
will be an uneventful pregnancy and the successful birth of a healthy baby. An insult
to the intrauterine environment has an impact on the programming of the fetus, which
can become evident in later life, mainly in the form of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes,
and certain learning disabilities. The past two decades have witnessed major contributions
from researchers in this field, who have included ultrasonologists, epidemiologists,
neonatologists, and pediatricians. Besides being responsible for these delayed postnatal
effects, abnormalities of the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid also have
associations with structural and chromosomal disorders. Population and race also influence
pregnancy outcomes to some extent in certain situations. USG is the most sensitive
imaging tool currently available for evaluation of these factors and can offer considerable
information in this area. This article aims at reviewing the USG-related developments
in this area and the anatomy, physiology, and various pathologies of the placenta,
umbilical cord, and the amniotic fluid.
Keywords
Amniotic fl uid - placenta - ultrasound (USG) - umbilical cord