Understanding the reliability and consistency of ultrasound derived elastography measures of the human placenta

This thesis examined the physical, biological and technological factors influencing the biomechanical properties of human placental tissue in utero. It specifically investigated changes in placental stiffness, measured via ultrasound elastography throughout the third trimester. The thesis analysed the critical maternal and fetal factors that impact ultrasound elastography measures and reported on system parameters that can be optimised for reliable results. Knowledge gained in this thesis is essential to developing placental elastography as a clinical tool to diagnose placental dysfunction.