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Placental insufficiency

Placental dysfunction; Uteroplacental vascular insufficiency; Oligohydramnios

 

The placenta is the link between you and your baby. When the placenta does not work as well as it should, your baby can get less oxygen and nutrients from you. As a result, your baby may:

  • Not grow well
  • Show signs of fetal stress (this means the baby's heart does not work normally)
  • Have a harder time during labor

Causes

 

The placenta may not work well, either due to pregnancy problems or social habits. These may include: 

  • Diabetes
  • Going past your due date
  • High blood pressure during pregnancy (called preeclampsia )
  • Medical conditions that increase the mother's chances of blood clots
  • Smoking
  • Taking cocaine or other drugs

Certain medicines can also increase the risk of placental insufficiency.

In some cases, the placenta:

  • May have an abnormal shape
  • May not grow big enough (more likely if you are carrying twins or other multiples)
  • Does not attach correctly to the surface of the womb
  • Breaks away from the surface of the womb or bleeds prematurely

 

Symptoms

 

A woman with placental insufficiency usually does not have any symptoms. However, certain diseases, such as preeclampsia, which can be symptomatic, can cause placental insufficiency.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will measure the size of your growing womb (uterus) at each visit, starting about halfway through your pregnancy.

If your uterus is not growing as expected, a pregnancy ultrasound will be done. This test will measure your baby's size and growth, and assess the size and placement of the placenta.

Other times, problems with the placenta or your baby's growth may be found on a routine ultrasound that is done during your pregnancy.

Either way, your provider will order tests to check how your baby is doing. The tests may show that your baby is active and healthy, and the amount of amniotic fluid is normal. Or, these tests can show that the baby is having problems.

You may be asked to keep a daily record of how often your baby moves or kicks.

 

Treatment

 

The next steps your provider will take depend on:

  • The results of tests
  • Your due date
  • Other problems that may be present, such as high blood pressure or diabetes

If your pregnancy is less than 37 weeks and the tests show that your baby is not under too much stress, your provider may decide to wait longer. Sometimes you may need to get more rest. You will have tests often to make sure your baby is doing well. Treating high blood pressure or diabetes may also help improve the baby's growth.

If your pregnancy is over 37 weeks or tests show your baby is not doing well, your provider may want to deliver your baby. Labor may be induced (you will be given medicine to make labor start), or you may need a cesarean delivery (C-section) .

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Problems with the placenta can affect the developing baby's growth. The baby cannot grow and develop normally in the womb if it does not get enough oxygen and nutrients.

When this occurs, it is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This increases the chances of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

 

Prevention

 

Getting prenatal care early in pregnancy will help make sure that the mother is as healthy as possible during the pregnancy.

Smoking, alcohol, and other recreational drugs can interfere with the baby's growth. Avoiding these substances may help prevent placental insufficiency and other pregnancy complications.

 

 

References

Carpenter JR, Branch DW. Collagen vascular diseases in pregnancy. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 46.

Lausman A, Kingdom J; Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee, et al. Intrauterine growth restriction: screening, diagnosis, and management. J Obstet Gynaecol Can . 2013;35(8):741-757. PMID: 24007710 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24007710 .

O'Connell TX. Obstetrics. In: O'Connell TX, ed. USMLE Step 2 Secrets . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 25.

Rampersad R, Macones GA. Prolonged and postterm pregnancy. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 36.

 
  • Anatomy of a normal placenta - illustration

    The placenta provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and takes away waste such as carbon dioxide via the umbilical cord.

    Anatomy of a normal placenta

    illustration

  • Placenta - illustration

    In the placenta, nutrients, wastes, and gases are exchanged between the mother's blood and the baby's blood.

    Placenta

    illustration

    • Anatomy of a normal placenta - illustration

      The placenta provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and takes away waste such as carbon dioxide via the umbilical cord.

      Anatomy of a normal placenta

      illustration

    • Placenta - illustration

      In the placenta, nutrients, wastes, and gases are exchanged between the mother's blood and the baby's blood.

      Placenta

      illustration

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Placental insufficiency

         

           

          Review Date: 10/4/2016

          Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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