Topic: Five Placental Disorders Pregnant Women Should Keep in Mind
Issues with the placenta can cause some pregnant women to have high-risk pregnancies. Essentially, the placenta can be described as a temporary organ that develops in a woman’s uterus with the sole purpose of providing nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. However, there are five placental disorders that every woman should keep in mind and be on the lookout for.
Placental Insufficiency
Placental insufficiency occurs when the placenta is unable to deliver adequate nutrients and oxygen to the baby. This can lead to serious problems, such as impeded development and fetal growth restriction. The root cause of placental insufficiency is the placenta not attaching to the uterus in the way it needs to. In turn, this disrupts the dilation of the arteries and begins to inhibit the reception of vital nutrients and oxygen to the baby. Two ways to detect this issue are an ultrasound and a fetal nonstress test.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a placental disorder that may cause high blood pressure and possible damage to the kidneys. Symptoms of preeclampsia to be aware of include swelling of the legs, fingers, and hands, excess weight gain within a short time frame, and headaches. Checking blood pressure and measuring the amount of protein in urine can help detect preeclampsia, which may also lead to placenta insufficiency.
Placenta Previa
This placental disorder occurs when the placenta either partially or fully blocks the cervix, restricting the ability of the baby to pass through it during delivery. Symptoms of placenta previa are cramps and bleeding usually occurring after 20 weeks. Sometimes the issue may resolve itself. If it does not, delivery may be performed by Cesarean section.
Placenta Abruption
Placenta abruption is incredibly dangerous for both the mother and child. It occurs when the placenta prematurely detaches from the wall of the uterus, which may sever the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the baby. In turn, this may restrict its development or cause a premature or stillborn delivery. It is dangerous for the mother as well, who may experience heavy bleeding, blooding clotting issues, and possible kidney failure. Placenta abruption may occur when there is a physical trauma to the mother or a rapid loss of amniotic fluid.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum
Placenta accreta spectrum is a placental disorder in which the placenta extends too far into the uterine wall. Many times, this condition is not detected until after the delivery of the baby when the placenta refuses to detach, either in part or its entirety. Removal of the placenta in this case can lead to severe blood loss.
Key Takeaway
Issues with the placenta are not entirely uncommon and may put some women at risk for problematic pregnancies. However, education concerning placental disorders help women know what to keep in mind and look out for so that early medical intervention can be taken if necessary.
Discussed Topic: Five Placental Disorders Pregnant Women Should Keep in Mind
