The placenta is an organ formed during pregnancy, whose main function is to promote communication between the mother and the fetus and thus ensure ideal conditions for the development of the fetus. The main functions of the placenta are:
The placenta is critical to the baby’s development, however, during pregnancy, it can undergo undesirable changes, which carries risks and complications for the mother and baby.
- The formation of the placenta.
- As soon as it is implanted in the uterus.
- Is formed by the cells of the uterus and baby.
- The growth of the placenta is rapid and already in the third trimester of pregnancy is larger than the baby.
- About 16 weeks gestation.
- The placenta and baby are the same size.
- And by the end of pregnancy.
- The baby already weighs about 6 times more than the placenta.
The placenta is removed at the time of delivery, either by caesarean section or natural. During normal delivery, the placenta comes out spontaneously after 4 to 5 uterine contractions, much less painful than the uterine contractions that occur when the baby leaves.
Ideally, the placenta remains intact throughout pregnancy so that the baby’s development is normal. However, there may be changes in the placenta during pregnancy, which can have consequences for the mother and baby if the necessary measures are not taken. Changes that may affect the placenta include:
Placenta previa, also called a low placenta, occurs when the placenta develops partially or completely in the lower part of the uterus, which can prevent normal delivery. Placenta previa is common at the onset of pregnancy and is not very worrying, because with the growth of the uterus, throughout pregnancy, it is possible that the placenta moves to the right place, allowing a normal birth.
However, when placenta previa persists until the third trimester of pregnancy, it can interfere with the baby’s development and delivery. This change is most common in women who are pregnant with twins, who have uterine scars, are over 35 years old, or have already had placenta.
The onset of low placenta can be perceived by vaginal bleeding, it is important to consult the gynecologist and/or obstetrician to make the diagnosis and reduce the risk of preterm birth and complications during childbirth. See how placenta previa is diagnosed and how treatment is being performed.
Placental detachment is a situation in which the placenta separates from the lining of the uterus, with vaginal bleeding and very severe abdominal cramping. Due to the separation of the placenta, there is a decrease in the amount of nutrients and oxygen sent to the baby, which interferes with its development.
Placental abruption can occur more often after the 20 week of pregnancy and can result in premature delivery. Know what to do in case of placental detachment.
The placenta accreta is a situation in which the placenta has an abnormal fixation to the uterus, resistant to coming out at the time of delivery. This problem can cause bleeding by requiring a blood transfusion and, in the most severe cases, the complete removal of the uterus, as well as endangering the woman’s life.
It is a normal process and is related to the degree of development of the placenta. This change is only a problem if the placenta is classified as Grade III before 34 weeks, as it can slow fetal growth. In general, the woman has no symptoms and the doctor identifies this problem during routine ultrasounds.
Learn more about placenta maturation levels
Placenta infarction occurs when there is a blocked blood vessel in the placenta, which characterizes thrombosis and results in a decrease in the amount of blood reaching the baby. While this complication can lead to miscarriages, it may also not cause pregnancy problems and go unnoticed. Check what to do in case of placental thrombosis.
It is a rupture of the uterine muscles during pregnancy or childbirth, which can lead to premature birth and maternal or fetal death. Uterine rupture is a rare complication, treated by surgery during childbirth, and its symptoms are severe pain, vaginal bleeding and decreased fetal heart rate.
To prevent and identify changes in the placenta before serious problems develop, routine obstetrician consultations and ultrasounds should be made at each stage of pregnancy. In case of vaginal bleeding or severe uterine pain, a doctor should be consulted.