Placental Growth Factor and Fetal Macrosomia: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Western Canadian Tertiary Centre

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Ernesto Figueiro-Filho, Sumayya Imran, Adrielle Souza Lira, John Matelski, Eman Ramadan, Adewumi Adanlawo, Pedro H.G. Guedes, Ana Paula Mendes-Silva
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2026.103229
Cited by: 3
References: 11

Abstract

We studied a retrospective cohort of 377 pregnancies at a Canadian tertiary centre to explore whether low maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) is linked to suspected fetal macrosomia (estimated fetal weight ≥90th percentile by ultrasound), macrosomic neonates (>4000 g), and adverse perinatal outcomes. Low PlGF pregnancies showed elevated BMI, hypertension, and preeclampsia and were associated with earlier delivery, preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and placental vascular malperfusion. Macrosomic birthweight was not associated with PlGF status. Although suspected macrosomia by ultrasound appeared more frequently in patients with low PlGF, this association requires further investigation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies Gestational Diabetes Research and Management Cancer Risks and Factors

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
48
Issue
3
Pages
103229–103229
Publication date
31 January 2026
Language
EN