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Premature aging of the placenta. Causes and consequences of premature aging of the placenta What threatens aging of the placenta 32 weeks

The placenta is a special organ that originates and grows in the uterine cavity during pregnancy, the main task of which is the correct connection of the blood supply systems of the fetus and matter. In the body of the placenta, biochemical processes are performed that are responsible for the normal development of pregnancy, for the production of special hormones that provide the fetus with oxygen, as well as protect it from the influence of harmful factors. After the birth of a child, the baby's place dies off and is separated 30 to 50 minutes after delivery.

Maturity of the placenta at different stages of pregnancy

Like any organ, the placenta has its own "age", that is, it arises, develops and matures, and then grows old and after childbirth - dies off. This is a normal physiological process, however, early, premature maturation or aging of the placenta poses a threat to the health and life of the baby.

Currently, in obstetric and gynecological practice, four stages of maturation of the placenta are differentiated, and each of them normally corresponds to a certain period of pregnancy.

However, there are so-called transitional stages, when signs of adjacent degrees of maturity may appear, which is associated with different rates of development of the fetus and the placenta, which is carried out from its marginal areas to the center.

  • 0 - zero degree of maturity (according to the classification of Grannum P.A. 1979) can be diagnosed up to the 30th week;
  • 0 - I degree (transition period) is typical for 29, 30 weeks;
  • I - the first degree of maturity is observed at 30 - 32 weeks;
  • I - II (transition period) is diagnosed at 32 - 34 weeks;
  • II - the second degree of maturity corresponds to 34 - 40 weeks;
  • II - III (transition period) can last from 35 to 40;
  • III - the third degree of maturity is diagnosed at 37 - 38 weeks to 40.

With the correct course of pregnancy, the growth of the placenta is completed by 36 - 37 weeks. After that, the thickness of the body of the child's seat decreases or does not change anymore. The ultrasound method of investigation (ultrasound) allows you to determine the thickness of the child's place and the degree of its development, which is directly related to the state of the chorionic membrane (chorionic membrane surrounding the fetus and lining the fruiting surface of the placenta), parenchyma (villous outer fetal membrane of the embryo) and the basal layer (connective tissue mucous membrane of the uterus).

Changes in the structure of the placenta at different stages of pregnancy

At 0 degrees of development of the placenta, its structure is homogeneous. The chorium is flat and smooth, without waviness. The basal layer is not detected.

If the zero degree of maturity changes before reaching the 27th week for the I degree, this indicates the premature development of the placenta. As a rule, this condition occurs in the presence of negative factors: viral diseases such as rubella, chickenpox, suffered during pregnancy, smoking, alcohol and drug use.

During the 1st degree At maturity, the growth of the placenta stops, and the body of the placental substance becomes thicker, and individual hyperechoic zones can be found in it, clearly visible during ultrasound examination, the chorionic plate becomes uneven. If at this time the doctor establishes the II degree of maturity, this may be a sign of possible developmental disorders. In this case, it is required to take medications that activate blood flow in the vessels of the child's place.

At the II degree of maturity (35–39 weeks) during ultrasound, multiple echo-positive small inclusions are observed, the roughness of the chorionic plate increases, but its depressions do not reach the basal layer. In the basal layer itself, there are small echogenic zones located linearly (the so-called basal "dotted line"). This stage of pregnancy is the most calm and stable. And even if in the middle of this period the III degree of maturity is determined in a pregnant woman, this does not often become a cause for alarm.

Grade III is usually observed at 37–38 weeks, when the placenta reaches the final phase in its development and corresponds to the period of normal full-term pregnancy. This period is characterized by biological aging of the placenta, the structure of which becomes lobar, and the depressions of the chorionic membrane reach the basal layer. This stage requires a detailed analysis of any inconsistencies observed in the body of the placenta, since even minor deviations from normal development can be signs of threatening complications. If the diagnosis at III degree of development indicates fetal hypoxia, then labor management is often recommended, with the use of surgical intervention (cesarean section).

Premature aging of the placenta

Premature aging of the placenta is noted in cases where grade II is manifested earlier than 32 weeks, and III - earlier than 36 weeks. This is not yet evidence of the pathology of pregnancy, but requires mandatory monitoring of the movement of blood in the vessels of the uterus and the child's place.

In the case of premature maturation of the child's seat, a special protein settles on the villi, which is released from the blood circulating between them, and prevents their participation in the metabolic processes of the uterine and placental blood flows. At this stage, by the end of 39–40 weeks, a decrease in the thickness of the placental membrane from 25 to 6 microns is recorded. Dystrophic changes are observed in the tissues of the placenta, lime salts settle in certain areas.

If the degree of maturation does not correspond to the gestational age, for example, when it should be I according to the weeks of pregnancy, but II is stated, or III degree is found at 33 weeks, then a natural question arises: What is the danger?

The placenta, as one of the most important links in a single biological system that unites the fetus, the umbilical cord and the mother's body, works on many life problems:

  • Provides oxygen to fetal tissue cells and removes carbon dioxide from the blood;
  • Delivers nutrients to cells and removes metabolic products;
  • It is an obstacle and a filter that protects the embryo from the negative effects of harmful substances that enter the mother's body: drugs, toxins, bacteria;
  • It produces hormones necessary for the proper development of pregnancy.

Therefore, premature aging or dying off of parts of the child's seat negatively affects these functions. Deterioration of blood flow in the vessels of the uterine-placental system when the maturity of the placenta does not correspond to the established weeks of pregnancy, it is dangerous to develop placental insufficiency, leading to hypoxia and fetal malnutrition, and in the worst case, intrauterine death.

Causes of premature aging of the placenta.

The most common reasons are:

  1. Nicotine, alcohol and drugs that poison the cells of the child's place.
  2. Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease.
  3. Hypertension in a pregnant woman.
  4. Late toxicosis (gestosis).
  5. Rhesus negative blood in the mother.
  6. Presentation and early placental abruption.
  7. Multiple pregnancies.
  8. Endocrine Disorders.
  9. Multiple pregnancies.
  10. Intrauterine infections.

Late maturation of the placenta, causes and consequences

Such a diagnosis in the practice of pregnancy and childbirth is less common than the definition of premature maturation of the placenta. The main reasons for this status of a child's place are:

  • primary and secondary diabetes mellitus in a pregnant woman;
  • negative Rh factor, leading to Rh-conflict;
  • chronic diseases of the expectant mother;
  • smoking during pregnancy;
  • alcohol consumption;
  • fetal malformations.

With a delay in the development of the placenta and its late maturation, we can say that it does not fulfill its obligatory functions - providing the baby with oxygen and nutrients necessary for its proper development. In addition, carbon dioxide and metabolic products are retained in the body of the fetus, which contributes to its intoxication and leads to developmental delays.

The prognosis for the established diagnosis of "late maturation of the placenta" in most cases is unfavorable without qualified medical treatment in a hospital setting. Otherwise, there is a high risk of stillbirth and the development of mental retardation in the fetus.

Thus, maturation of the placenta, its development, aging and dying off are natural processes, but the syndrome of premature aging and late maturation requires special attention. Modern methods of studying blood flow in the fetal-placental system have shown that an extended analysis of its circulation allows the attending physician to carry out an accurate diagnosis.

And this makes it possible to prescribe the most effective treatment, choosing the optimal tactics of pregnancy and obstetrics in order to achieve their favorable completion and the birth of a healthy child.

The placenta is an embryonic organ, the main functions of which are to protect against infections, produce the necessary hormones, and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Any violations associated with the placenta will negatively affect the condition of the expectant mother and child, to a greater or lesser extent. The formed placenta is a disk-shaped organ with a diameter of about 200 mm and a weight of about 0.5-0.6 kg. In this case, the thickness of the walls of the placenta at this time reaches about 30-40 mm. Like any other organ of the human body, the placenta is subject to aging and this is a normal process, however, in some cases, premature aging may occur.

Causes and consequences of premature aging of the placenta

Early aging of a child's place may be due to the individual characteristics of the organism of the expectant mother, as well as due to the pathological effect on her placenta. These pathologies include:

  • severe toxicosis (gestosis), which appears in the second half of pregnancy;
  • the effect on the body of toxic substances;
  • injuries to the uterus;
  • smoking;
  • chronic diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, blood vessels;
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • improper diet;
  • abortion;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • previous difficult labor;
  • or her;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • the development of infections in the uterine cavity.

The result of the above pathologies may be the development of fetoplacental insufficiency in the expectant mother, which will subsequently negatively affect the blood supply to the child. A minor violation, as a rule, is compensated by the characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman, however, with a more serious pathology of blood circulation, an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby occurs. Under such circumstances, the fetus begins to lose weight, there is a violation of the development of all its organs, the consequence of which can be difficult childbirth, fetal underdevelopment, and more serious consequences. Do not be alarmed, because this only happens if this diagnosis is left unattended and not treated.

Signs and diagnosis

Early aging of the embryonic organ is always asymptomatic for the woman in labor, and the only thing that may indicate the presence of this disease is a sharp decline in the intrauterine activity of the fetus, or, conversely, the child will behave too actively. As a rule, this pathology will be detected on a routine ultrasound scan. With ultrasound examination, a decrease in the area and volume of the placenta may be observed, which indicates a discrepancy between its developmental times. To confirm the diagnosis, additional studies are usually prescribed, such as Doppler ultrasound (allows you to get information about). Additionally, additional cardiotocography, biochemical and general blood tests can be performed.


Treatment

Treatment of placental aging is carried out exclusively in a hospital under the close supervision of medical professionals. In addition to complex measures to normalize blood flow and maintain the vital functions of the fetus, treatment is prescribed to eliminate the cause of premature aging of the placenta. So when bacterial, protozoal or viral infections are detected, various medications or injections are prescribed to combat them. To prevent oxygen starvation of the child, several types of droppers are prescribed, and vitamin therapy is used to normalize blood flow and the intake of essential phospholipids, zufilin, aspirin, actovegin, curantil, etc. is prescribed.

As a rule, the treatment of premature aging of a child's place is limited only to medicinal methods, however, in rare, more severe cases, premature delivery can be performed. But at the same time, doctors will be 100% sure that the development of the fetus outside the womb will bring more benefits than the presence of possible negative consequences from.

Recent studies have shown that if premature aging (stage 3) was detected at more than 32 weeks, then the likelihood of a favorable outcome is the same as in a healthy pregnancy. Naturally, this requires medical advice and regular ultrasound.

Premature aging of the placenta is a threatening condition. Any pregnant woman can face it. Why the "child's place" begins to lose its functions ahead of time and what to do with these, we will tell in this article.

How does a "child's place" mature?

A "baby's place", or placenta, is a temporary organ that is necessary for a woman and a child only during pregnancy. It has a spongy structure, one side tightly adheres to the wall of the uterus, from where it draws the reserves of maternal blood, and the other, through the umbilical cord, is connected to the fetus. The placenta performs protective functions, preventing the mixing of the mother's and baby's blood. She also acts as an intermediary in gas exchange and nutrition: through the placenta through a vein in the structure of the umbilical cord, the baby receives fresh blood with oxygen and vitamins, and through two arteries inside the umbilical cord, the child's waste products are returned to the placenta: urea, carbon dioxide, creatinine. The placenta produces hormones important for pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding.

A week after ovulation, the fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity and its main task is to implant. This helps the chorionic membrane, which "grows" into the maternal endometrium. At the site of attachment, a chorion is formed, which is gradually transformed into the placenta. The formation of a "child's place" is completed by the 14-16th week of pregnancy. The young placenta takes its final shape by 20 weeks. Until the middle of pregnancy, the "baby seat" grows and expands. After that, it only slightly increases in thickness.

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The closer to childbirth, the less functional the placenta: it develops its resources, begins to age. First, its membranes become wavy, then disseminations of calcium salts appear in the placenta, then these inclusions become more extensive - the placenta becomes denser from spongy, begins to become thinner. All these processes fit into four degrees of maturity.

If the degrees replace each other in a timely manner, this does not pose any danger. If the placenta "fades away" too quickly, they speak of its premature aging.

Norms and deviations

A young and full of strength, the placenta is at zero maturity. This means that the resources of the "child's place" are not exhausted - the baby receives everything he needs for his development. Normally, the zero degree of maturity is recorded before 30 weeks of gestation.

The first degree of maturity of the placenta speaks of the changes that have begun: the proliferation of the network of vessels and tissues has stopped, the membrane becomes wavy. But the "child's place" performs its functions regularly - the baby is comfortable, and everything is enough. The first degree normally corresponds to a period of 30-34 weeks of pregnancy.

The second degree of maturity describes active regressive processes in the "child's place": a fragmentary thinning of the placenta may appear, its structure becomes denser, and calcium salt deposits appear. If the 2nd degree is set in the appropriate time frame, you do not have to worry - the placenta copes with its tasks without prejudice to the baby. The second degree will not be considered pathological if the gestational age is already 35–38 weeks.

Third degree - mature or old placenta. The structure, which previously resembled a rather flat cake, becomes lobular: lobes are determined, the membrane is uneven, salt deposits are clearly distinguishable. Usually grade 3 is recorded immediately before childbirth: in the last couple of weeks, and sometimes just a few days before childbirth.

If the doctor establishes an intermediate degree, for example, 0-1 or 1-2, it means that the ultrasound showed signs of a transition from one stage of development of the "child's place" to another, but the transition itself is not yet complete. With transitional degrees, most of all incomprehensible moments and misunderstandings usually arise. To make it easier to understand what is normal and what is not, you should know that 0-1 degree at 27-28 weeks of pregnancy is not a pathology, but a variant of the norm.

After 30 weeks, the doctor can diagnose both the first and the transitional (0-1) degree. But 1-2 degrees at 32 weeks is an obvious pathology, since there is still about a month before the transition to the second degree. The onset of 3 degrees of maturity before 38 weeks is also an alarming and dangerous situation in which, most likely, a decision will be made about early delivery.

The greater the time gap between the norm and the real state of the placenta, the more dangerous the consequences can be.

Why is it dangerous?

Since the placenta is naturally entrusted with important functions of protection, nutrition, oxygen supply, as well as hormonal support for the pregnant woman's body, any changes in the structure of the placenta ahead of time can lead to serious complications. When aging is on time, it is physiological: the loss of some functions of the placenta, their decrease is compensated by the organisms of the mother and the fetus. This does not harm the child, since normally the extinction of the function proceeds rather smoothly.

If early maturation is observed, then the baby does not receive enough oxygen, the placenta copes worse with the removal of his waste products, he lacks nutrients. In addition, the placenta copes with the protective functions worse. The most common consequence of premature maturation for a child is hypoxia.

Against the background of oxygen deficiency, the baby's brain and nervous system suffer. Prolonged hypoxia can lead to the death of a child in utero. Often, it is intrauterine hypoxia that causes fetal developmental delays, gross violations of the central nervous system.

Children who suffered from hypoxia in the womb are more painful, they may have various neurological abnormalities, as well as dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, such children learn worse, disability is not excluded.

Lack of nutrients leads to a delay in the intrauterine development of the baby. She is diagnosed during pregnancy. The height, weight, length of the fetal limbs lag behind the normal values ​​typical for a particular gestational age. Often, the delay in physical development is accompanied by cerebral and metabolic disorders, which after birth is determined in the form of delays in mental and mental development. Against the background of starvation, various defects of the internal organs and the skeletal system of the baby can develop.

The slowed-down withdrawal of the waste products of the fetus by the early matured placenta creates a threat of intoxication, the death of the child. And a decrease in the barrier functions of the "child's place" can lead to infection of the crumbs with dangerous viruses that can easily penetrate through the bloodstream to the baby. Intrauterine infection is a condition that is regarded as a threat to the life of a child.

What is the reason?

The placenta ripens ahead of time for a variety of reasons. Most often, doctors are faced with such a phenomenon as premature aging of the placenta in women who, while carrying a baby, continue to smoke or cannot deny themselves the pleasure of taking alcoholic beverages. For women who amuse themselves with the hope that "light" cigarettes are not dangerous, and red wine is useful, such a pathology after 30 weeks of pregnancy occurs quite often.

However, the absence of bad habits during and before pregnancy does not guarantee that problems with the placenta will not arise. The maturation of the "child's place" ahead of time may be a consequence of a past viral infectious disease, for example, SARS or influenza in the early stages, as well as sexually transmitted infections.

Pregnant women with Rh negative blood, provided that they are carrying a baby with a positive Rh factor, may develop an Rh conflict, in which the placenta begins to suffer almost at the stage of formation. Its early maturation is often a consequence of those immune processes that take place during a conflict in the body of a future mother.

If a woman had diabetes before pregnancy or acquired gestational diabetes while carrying a baby, the likelihood that the placenta will age quickly is much higher.

With such ailments, placental hyperplasia (an increase in its thickness) is usually observed, which almost always leads to an early loss of its functions. Early aging of the "child's place" also occurs in women who have had several abortions: the thinned endometrium in this case cannot ensure the normal development of the placenta. In this case, it is initially thinner and ages much faster.

Chronic diseases of the expectant mother, especially if they relate to the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, heart and blood vessels, as well as blood clotting disorders, increase the likelihood of premature maturation of the “child's seat”.

Many medications can negatively affect the rate of maturation of the placenta, which is why expectant mothers are strongly advised not to take any medications unless approved by her attending physician. Also, the contact of the expectant mother with toxic substances, varnishes and paints, solvents, bleaches and other chemicals affects the placental tissues and blood vessels. Working in hazardous and hazardous industries increases the likelihood of negative changes in the rate of maturation of the placenta.

Premature aging of the placenta is more often observed in women who live in large cities with an unfavorable environmental situation than in women who live in a village or small town where there are no large city-forming industrial enterprises. And also pathology, according to the observations of doctors, is inherited - from mother to daughter.

Gestosis (late toxicosis) quite often leads to the aging of the "child's place" earlier than the established date. Dangerous from the point of view of the likelihood of the development of a pathological condition and changes in blood pressure in the expectant mother, hypertension. If a pregnant woman at any stage of pregnancy has had even minor placental abruptions or has a "child's seat" presentation, the risk of early maturation is several times higher than in women who do not have such problems during pregnancy.

When carrying twins or triplets, the risk of early maturation is higher than with a singleton pregnancy. And in women with hormonal problems, placental abnormalities are almost always found to one degree or another, including an old placenta at an inappropriate gestational age.

Symptoms and signs, diagnosis

There is no way to feel the degree of maturity of the placenta, as well as to determine its thickness and other parameters. Accelerated maturation of the "child's place" proceeds completely without symptoms. That is why it is important to regularly visit a doctor, undergo all the examinations due to the date, take tests and do an ultrasound scan. The sooner the anomaly is detected, the more favorable the doctors' predictions for the forthcoming treatment will be.

Signs of premature aging of the placenta at a later date, when the consequences of fetoplacental insufficiency are already manifested, are mainly felt as a change in the baby's motor activity. An increase in activity speaks of the initial stage of hypoxia: the baby's movements become sharp, and can cause severe pain to the pregnant woman. So the baby is trying to massage the placenta with the arms and legs, trying to get more oxygen.

Prolonged hypoxia is manifested by the opposite signs - the baby almost stops moving. It enters a mode of saving oxygen and nutrients, trying to use as little energy as possible. The complete cessation of movements may be a sign of the death of the baby.

Only a doctor can establish the fact of hypoxia, delayed intrauterine development of the fetus, its intoxication and other unsuccessful conditions. That is why it is so important not to miss visits to the antenatal clinic.

When the baby's behavior changes, the woman is prescribed a study of the placenta and the characteristics of the uteroplacental blood flow for ultrasound, ultrasound, and CTG. Cardiotocography, which can be performed from 28-29 weeks of pregnancy, can give a fairly accurate answer to the question of whether the baby has changes in condition.

The degree of maturity of the placenta is established by ultrasound, starting from the 20th week of pregnancy. At earlier stages, neither the thickness of the "child's place", nor its characteristics of maturity have a diagnostic value.

Treatment

Despite the fact that the consequences can be quite serious, a woman should not panic: premature aging of the placenta is always more favorable than her pathological immaturity. With early detection of pathology, doctors can help the baby and his mother. Treatment is usually carried out in a hospital setting.

The choice of tactics of action depends on the period. If the premature maturation of the placenta is detected at 31-35 weeks of pregnancy, then the doctors are trying to do everything possible to preserve it and prolong it, because the baby at this time is not yet ready to be born. The woman in the hospital is monitored, they provide the necessary therapy, they do CTG every day to find out if the condition and well-being of the baby has changed. An ultrasound scan is done every few days to monitor the processes occurring in the placental structures.

If the gestation period is more than 36 weeks, then, with a high degree of probability, doctors will decide on an early delivery: stimulation of labor or a cesarean section. Although, if the degree of deviation from the norm is small, they can put on preservation and try for at least two more weeks to support the baby inside the mother's womb with medication so that he has time to gain weight.

The standard treatment regimen contains antispasmodic drugs (Papavern, No-shpa) to reduce the contractility of the smooth muscles of the uterus. To improve blood flow in the mother-placenta-fetus system, Curantil and Actovegin are used both in tablets and in the form of intravenous drip injections. Vitamin preparations are used to compensate for the baby's nutritional deficiency. If you suspect fetal hypoxia, a woman is recommended oxygen cocktails.

If infectious diseases become the cause of the premature maturation of the "child's place", in parallel with the standard regimen, the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment with antiviral or antibacterial drugs. With late toxicosis, diuretics are prescribed to reduce swelling, and drugs to lower blood pressure if the expectant mother has hypertension.

If systematic observations of the baby indicate the slightest negative changes in his condition, preserving therapy is canceled and emergency delivery is performed. This is necessary in order to save the child's life.

It is necessary to give up smoking, alcohol, uncontrolled intake of medications in advance - antibiotics, anticonvulsants, hormones, including contraceptives, are especially dangerous.

If a woman is being treated with such means or is protected with oral hormonal contraceptives, before conceiving a baby, you should consult a doctor and take the necessary tests to avoid problems in the future.

From the first weeks of pregnancy, it is important to monitor your diet, avoid contact with toxic substances, radioactive radiation, and do not work the night shift, since lack of sleep leads to hormonal disturbances. If bloody discharge appears at any time, you need to consult a doctor to exclude placental abruption, and get the necessary treatment if it occurs.

A woman should breathe fresh air, walk, if the weather permits, sleep with an open window. The more oxygen she receives herself, the more she can give it to her baby through placental blood flow. You should also avoid viral infections, carrying out correct and timely prevention of influenza and ARVI, especially during periods of mass morbidity.

During pregnancy, you should not change your sexual partner: any infection brought in can cause damage to the placenta.

For the premature maturation of the placenta, see the following video.

Premature aging of the placenta - this term is used by Russian doctors to frighten many expectant mothers. Why is this diagnosis so dangerous, on what basis is it made, and how is the pathology treated?

The placenta, and in the people - "child's place", is an organ that is formed in a pregnant woman and functions until the birth of a child. It is thanks to the placenta that the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the child is possible. And the development of the baby depends on the state of the placenta. If he does not have enough food, there is a high probability of a delay in his development, and in severe cases, even death.

How and why the placenta ages

During pregnancy, the placenta changes and slowly develops its resource. Doctors know 4 degrees of maturity of the placenta: 0,1,2,3. 0 - the placenta is in perfect order. Grade 3 usually occurs for a period of 38 weeks or more. These degrees are determined by the doctor of ultrasound diagnostics. The structure of the placenta, its structure and thickness are taken into account. Premature maturation of the placenta is set at the slightest deviation from the norm.

Why is the "child's place" for some women quickly "aging"? Usually a whole range of problems are to blame for this. This is the uncontrolled intake of various medicines (including dietary supplements, vitamins), viral diseases (influenza, acute respiratory infections, ARVI, etc.), smoking, alcohol and drug use, etc. But more often the causes of premature aging of the placenta remain unclear ...

What is the danger of pathology and what are its consequences

Perhaps you need to start with how this diagnosis is correctly made. Many doctors write it without reason. And the maturation of the "child's place" is considered accelerated if the degree of maturity for a period of up to 32 weeks exceeds the second, or the doctor puts the third degree for a period of less than 36 weeks. And then, this "diagnosis" is not a diagnosis at all, but a point to which the doctor should pay attention, and, most likely, conduct an additional examination. And this is an ultrasound scan with a study of fetal blood flow and cardiotocography (CTG). That is, premature aging of the placenta at 32, 33, 34 weeks is not a sentence at all, and often not even a reason for worry. As for the incorrect diagnoses, our Russian doctors are very fond of talking about this pathology, exposing the first one for a period of up to 30 weeks instead of the zero degree of maturation. It is not right. What consequences of premature aging of the placenta are still possible? It all depends on how bad the condition of the placenta was and to what specific disorders in the development of the child it led. Most often, this is the birth of children with low birth weight.

How to treat?

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to return the original state of the "child's seat". Many mothers, after reading about the dangers of premature aging of the placenta, ask their doctor to prescribe medications that will help the child get the nutrients and oxygen he lacks. But you need to try to do something only if there are signs of fetal suffering. And they are detected during Doppler ultrasound and CTG, ultrasound also assists in diagnosis, because with it you can measure all parts of the child's body and say with a very high degree of probability whether he has a developmental delay. If so, and it is more than 2 weeks, the woman will be admitted to the hospital for treatment. In difficult situations, a caesarean section may be offered before the expected due date.

How is this pathology treated? As we wrote earlier, the placenta cannot be "cured". But the baby can be helped a little. For this, a woman is injected with glucose preparations, some medications that are prescribed for respiratory failure, as well as reducing the tone of the uterus.

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The placenta is an organ that appears in a woman's body only for a short time, during pregnancy.

For 11 days after fertilization, the egg grew and increased, and starting from the 12th day, it attaches to the wall of the uterus. From this moment, the placenta begins to form - an organ that becomes an intermediary between mother and child, supplying the baby with blood, nutrients and oxygen. The placenta also promotes the elimination of toxins and waste products from the fetus.

The formation of the placenta lasts approximately until the end of the third month, after which it continues to grow until the 8th month, when this organ reaches its maximum parameters. After this, the aging process of the placenta begins.

The aging process of the placenta is natural and consists of 4 stages:

  • 0 degree lasts until the 27th-30th week;
  • I degree called "active growth", it falls on the period of 27-34 weeks;
  • II degree is the period of maturity, it lasts from the 34th to the 39th week;
  • III degree, aging, begins from the 37th week and before the appearance of the baby.

Diagnosis of the disease

Paradoxically, a woman cannot feel such a rather serious pathology of pregnancy as premature maturation of the placenta.

Despite the fact that the child suffers at the same time, the woman is not able to understand that the pregnancy is proceeding abnormally.

It is possible to establish whether the state of the placenta corresponds to a certain period of pregnancy only during a routine ultrasound examination.

If the maturity of the placenta, its size or aging processes are ahead of the established dates, they speak of premature maturation of the placenta. In this case, the second degree is considered a pathology, which occurs before the 32nd week or the third degree - up to the 36th week.

However, according to the data of ultrasound studies alone, such a diagnosis is not made. It is advisable to undergo CTG of the fetus in order to find out whether the child receives enough nutrients and oxygen, because it is on the condition of the fetus that the premature aging of the placenta is reflected.

Causes

The main reasons that provoke the occurrence of accelerated aging of the placenta include the following:

  • the effect on the woman's body of various toxic substances (including from smoking);
  • the presence of chronic diseases, especially disorders of the excretory and cardiovascular systems;
  • endocrine diseases of a pregnant woman;
  • a history of difficult labor or abortion that preceded pregnancy;
  • improper nutrition of the mother;
  • late toxicosis;
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • the presence of injuries or infections of the uterus and its cavity;
  • mismatch of the Rh factors of the pregnant woman and the child.

Premature aging of the placenta: why the diagnosis is dangerous

Aging of the placenta involves a change in the volume of blood flow. If, at a certain stage of development, the child cannot receive the substances he needs in full, then the formation of the baby will be incorrect.

Metabolic disorders are one of the main problems associated with placental insufficiency. If you do not take any measures to improve the work of the placenta, the child may not only slow down his growth and development, but even die from suffocation.

At the same time, the woman herself does not feel the change in her condition. The only thing she can pay attention to is a change in the number of fetal movements. Moreover, the child can both begin to move more, feeling uncomfortable, and reduce the number of his movements.

Premature maturation of the placenta: standard treatment

Treatment of such a pathological condition during pregnancy as too active aging of the placenta is carried out mainly in a hospital setting.

First of all, a pregnant woman with such a diagnosis is prescribed a number of examinations, for example, Doppler or CTG of the child, tests for infections will be taken.