Infarction of the placenta - what is it? Causes

The placenta is one of the most important organs for the development of the fetus, which is found in the body of a woman only during pregnancy. It begins to form a week after conception and 30 minutes after a successful delivery is separated from the inner wall of the uterus and ceases to exist. On how well this organ functions well, the intrauterine development of the future baby depends. Nutrition of the fetus, its breathing and excretion of the products of vital activity is realized through the placenta.

In this organ there are blood vessels of the mother and fetus. Nutrients and oxygen, necessary for development, the embryo gets from the maternal arterial blood, and its venous blood carries away all unnecessary.

During pregnancy, gynecologists monitor the condition of this organ. Must make ultrasound and evaluate its thickness, density, permeability, maturity, and also the place of attachment in the uterus.

Infarction of the placenta - what is it?

Any deviation from the normal state of this organ can lead to impaired development of the fetus of varying severity and even to its death. The infarction develops as a result of a sudden disturbance of blood flow in the feeding artery. This is the cause of necrosis of a certain area of the placenta. Sometimes the infarction is of considerable size and can permeate the entire thickness of the organ. Subsequently, fibrin can be deposited in such areas. In addition, small foci of infarction can be caused by deposits of calcium salts in the placenta.

The placenta has a limited life span. It develops, fulfills the functions assigned to it and grows old. Signs of organ aging can be calcareous incrustations (the deposition of salts in some of its areas) - this is one of the types of infarction. But whatever the nature of this pathology, in any case, this part of the placenta ceases to cope with its function.

Infarction of the placenta. Causes

What factors can lead to this pathology? Infarction of the placenta - what is it, we found out, now we will understand the reasons. Most often this pathology is caused by:

• Long-term toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy (preeclampsia, eclampsia);

• Uneven accelerated maturation of the placenta;

• Kidney disease in pregnant women;

• High blood pressure of the expectant mother;

• Excess weight of a pregnant woman, or, conversely, its lack.

Diagnostics

For the detection of this pathology, ultrasound of the placenta is used. In this study, infarcts are identified as some formations of various forms with distinct hyperechoic margins from the outside or as a homogeneous (homogeneous) hypoechoic spot in the parenchyma.

In addition, ultrasound can determine the location of the placenta in the uterus. This makes it possible to identify placenta previa and avoid unforeseen complications.

After The birth of the fetal placenta child is carefully inspected. With a normally developing pregnancy and its safe resolution on the maternal side of the placenta, you can sometimes notice small white dense spots in the form of inclusions. This is the deposition of calcium salts in the dying fibers of the aging placenta. Small foci of an infarct of such a plan for fetal development do not affect.

Effects

Infarction of the placenta - what is it and what is it dangerous for the fetus? It all depends on the size of the necrotic changes. If necrosis affected a small area of this body, then most likely, this fact does not affect the health of the future baby.

With numerous microinfarctions or necrosis of a section about three centimeters or more in diameter, the fetus may experience hypoxia and malnutrition. This condition is called fetoplacental insufficiency. This pathology is especially dangerous in the third trimester of pregnancy, since often leads to an intrauterine delay in the development of a future baby. The defeat of a placenta infarction by more than 1/3 can lead to fetal death in utero.

Medical supervision for dysfunctions of this embryonic organ is mandatory (including such as a placenta infarction). The causes that lead to this pathology should be identified and eliminated as soon as possible.

Prevention

Every woman, having learned about her pregnancy, sincerely believes that with her future child everything will be all right and he will be born quite healthy. In order for this to happen, it is important to follow certain measures to prevent fetoplacental insufficiency, which can result in a placenta infarction. What is it and what are its consequences, we found out.

Measures to prevent placenta infarction :

• Timely registration for pregnancy;

• Several times during pregnancy must do ultrasound;

• Perform all the recommendations of a gynecologist and undergo the necessary laboratory tests;

• walks in the open air;

• Proper nutrition.

These simple rules will help to save the future mother and her baby from unforeseen situations.