Request an EPV measurement at your next ultrasound appointment
Estimated Placental Volume (EPV) is a simple measurement that can be done via ultrasound while a baby is in utero to estimate the size of a placenta. It requires 3 measurements (width, height, and thickness) that can be entered into a free app called Merwin’s EPV Calculator to determine the volume (cc) of a placenta. This can be used, along with the gestational age of the baby, to determine the volume of this placenta compared to other babies at the same gestational age.
A sonographer trained in EPV can take the three measurements in less than 1 minute using a standard 2D ultrasound. There is no risk to the baby as this is not an invasive procedure.
Your doctor and sonographer can learn more about this simple process on Yale's Reproductive and Placental Research Unit website here.
Our informational flyer, 5 Fast Facts About Measuring the Placenta, is available for you to print at home and share with your healthcare provider.
You can also so learn more about EPV on the PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy website.
Questions about your pregnancy and placental measurements? Join us for monthly meetings (typically the 2nd Wednesday evening of the month) with Dr. Kliman on the Clubhouse audio app, search for Measure the Placenta.