Placental Insufficiency: A cause of concern

Placental insufficiency can harm the mother and the baby. By early detection, one can limit the harm caused by this serious condition.

1. Does placental insufficiency impact fetal growth?

2. What is the placenta? What does it do? The placenta is an organ that develops with the growing baby in the womb. It is the connection between the baby and its mother. The umbilical cord develops from placenta that forms a bridge between the two. Placenta helps in Supplying oxygen to the baby Taking away carbon dioxide from the baby Transporting nutrients from mother to the growing baby Removing waste materials from the baby Apart from this, the placenta also helps to protect the baby from infections.

3. What is placenta? What does it do? Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Placenta.svg

4. Is placental insufficiency a trouble? The placenta is an a vital link between the pregnant mother and her baby. I f this placenta is damaged or doesn’t develop properly, it can cause placental insufficiency. This placental insufficiency can reduce the blood flow to the growing baby and hamper the baby’s growth. In severe cases, it can also lead to the baby’s death.

5. What is placental insufficiency? Placental insufficiency (also known as p lacenta l dysfunction or Utero placental insufficiency) is a complication of pregnancy in which the maternal placenta either does not grow adequately, or is damaged due to several reasons. This placental insufficiency causes inadequate supply of nutrients to the baby. It also fails to remove the waste products from baby’s blood. This harms the baby and can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or birth defects.

6. What can cause placental insufficiency? Placental insufficiency occurs commonly due to problems in blood flow to the placenta. This can be either due to existing diseases in mother or due to certain medications. It can also be attributed to certain lifestyle habits. Placental insufficiency causes include the following: Diabetes Hypertension Anemia Medications (like blood thinners) Drug abuse Improper attachment of placenta to the uterus Disruption of placenta from the uterus

7. How can I know, if I have insufficient placenta? Placental insufficiency does not lead to any significant symptoms in the mother. Yet, certain hints can help in diagnosing the condition. These include- Reduced or absent fetal movements Reduced growth of uterus (as compared to previous pregnancies) Placental insufficiency is usually detected by the obstetrician during routine check up or while performing an ultrasound (as a part of regular prenatal check up). A Placental insufficiency ultrasound assesses the size and growth, of the baby as well as the placenta. If there is any abnormality detected in any of these, a daily record of baby’s fetal movements can help assess the condition. Apart from that, few blood tests like alpha fetoprotein levels can help in detecting placental insufficiency.

8. How can I know, if I have insufficient placenta? Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstetric_ultrasonography#/media/File:Embryo_at_14_weeks_profile.JPG

9. Can placental insufficiency harm my baby? Placental insufficiency can harm both the mother and the baby. can lead to- preeclampsia Uteroplacental insufficiency preterm labor disruption of placenta In the baby, fetoplacental insufficiency can cause birth defects, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, polycythemia, or intrauterine death. If placental insufficiency develops very early during pregnancy , it results in the more severe complications.

10. How can is placental insufficiency managed? How can one prevent it? Early detection is the key to management of placental insufficiency. Managing the causative factors such as diabetes or blood pressure usually helps in improving the baby’s growth. If the pregnancy is less than 9 months, and baby is not under stress, then rest with regular evaluations can help in keeping an eye on the baby’s growth. If the pregnancy is over 37 weeks, and baby is under stress, planning a cesarean section is an ideal placental insufficiency treatment. Apart from diagnosing it early, prevention can be the key for avoiding damage to the baby’s growth. Avoiding smoking, alcohol or using recreational drugs can help. Prenatal care, routine checkups and regular prenatal exercises help in preventing insufficient placenta.

11. How can is placental insufficiency managed? How can one prevent it? Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prenatal_memory#/media/File:Neonatal_Jacoplane.jpg