The placenta is an extremely important organ in fetal development. It plays a crucial role in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, as well as the formation of bones, blood cells, a nervous system, and a skeleton. Infections, abnormalities and anomalies of the placenta may result in severe complications for both the mother and infant.
Diseases and anomalies of the placenta
A variety of diseases and anomalies of the placenta affect the structure and function of the placenta and umbilical cord, including pre-eclampsia, fibroid growth disorders, chorionic villus disease, placental mesenchymal dysplasia and placental abruption. The resulting symptoms and complications vary widely, depending on the underlying cause.
Inflammatory Diseases of the Placenta
Many women experience symptoms during pregnancy because of inflammation, including uterine or abdominal pain, continuous contractions and a change in fetal heart rate. In extreme cases, the mother may even have bleeding from the uterus or vagina.
This can lead to life-threatening bleeding, which means you need immediate medical attention. Your provider may need to perform a cesarean delivery or hysterectomy and give you a blood transfusion.
These conditions may also cause premature delivery or fetal death, as well as decrease a mother’s chances of having a normal pregnancy. Early diagnosis of these disorders can help your healthcare provider plan an effective treatment.
Circumvallate Placenta
In some cases, the placenta is located at a low level near the internal cervical os (placenta praevia). This condition can be dangerous because it can cover the uterine wall and block blood flow to the fetus.
The condition can be detected antenatally with an ultrasound or other test. You may need to be monitored closely for other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or a high risk of preterm labor.
Your doctor will check your cervix during regular visits, as well as a special ultrasound scan called a 3D or a MRI. This can identify a circumvallate placenta and other problems that can increase your risk of having a high-risk pregnancy.
You can be diagnosed with placenta accreta if you have certain risk factors such as a previous hysterectomy, other uterine surgery, advanced maternal age, high gravidity or multiparity. It can also occur with a history of vaginal bleeding or anemia in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
If your healthcare provider discovers you have placenta accreta before you deliver, they will monitor you closely for the rest of your pregnancy. They can work with other providers who specialize in delivering babies to make sure you have the best care possible during your pregnancy.
These diseases and anomalies of the placenta can be serious, so your healthcare provider will keep you under close surveillance during your pregnancy to ensure the health of both you and your baby. Your provider may recommend bed rest to prevent early labor or other birth complications, or they may schedule a C-section to deliver your baby.
Acute Uterine Bleeding
Antepartum hemorrhage is a very common complication of pregnancy. It can be very painful and often leads to delivery. It can occur in any type of uterus, but it’s most common in those with a history of uterine surgery or a hysterectomy.
