Placental Histomorphological Alterations Associated with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

Background: Excessive gestational weight gain has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and placental dysfunction. However, the histopathological alterations occurring in placental tissue under these conditions have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate placental histomorphological changes in women with excessive gestational weight gain. Methods: Placental tissues were obtained from healthy pregnant women and women with excessive gestational weight gain. Histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Villous architecture, trophoblastic morphology, stromal organization, syncytial knot formation, and fibrinoid deposition were examined and compared between groups. Results: Control placentas demonstrated preserved villous architecture, regular syncytiotrophoblast morphology, well-organized stromal structures, and minimal fibrinoid deposition and syncytial knot formation. In contrast, placentas from women with excessive gestational weight gain exhibited disrupted villous architecture, trophoblastic thickening, stromal edema and vacuolization, increased syncytial knot formation, fibrinoid deposition, and degenerative villous changes. These alterations were accompanied by impaired cellular organization and reduced structural integrity of the villi. Conclusion: Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with significant placental histopathological alterations, including villous degeneration, stromal edema, trophoblastic thickening, increased syncytial knot formation, and fibrinoid deposition. These findings suggest that excessive maternal weight gain may adversely affect placental structure and potentially compromise placental function.