A comparative study was conducted to assess and compare the placental weight, maternal and neonatal outcome among 50 anemic and 50 non-anemic pregnant mothers in Ganesh Das Maternal and Child Health Government Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya using consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by utilizing semi-structured questionnaire, biophysiological methods and records. While the collected data was analysis by employing descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding showed that the mean ± SD of placental weight of anemic and non-anemic mothers and placental diameter of anemic and non-anemic mothers respectively indicated no significant association of maternal outcome between the two groups. However, it was found that for both anemic and non-anemic pregnant mothers there was moderate positive correlation between placental weight and birth weight, head circumference, chest circumference and crown-heel length. There was significant association in both groups with monthly income of family, gestational age, antenatal checkup, consumption of iron and folic acid tablets and neonatal birth weight. The study found that a unit increase in placental weight increased the risk of low birth weight. Neonates born with ≥37 weeks gestation and multipara mothers were less likely to experience low birth weight.

Conclusion: The study revealed no significant difference in placental weight between anemic and non-anemic mothers, yet it highlighted a significant association between placental weight and birth weight. The correlation between placental weight and neonatal parameters suggests its crucial role in neonatal growth. Furthermore, multiple risk factors were associated with heightened anemia risk in pregnant women.