The placenta is an organ that forms inside the womb during pregnancy. It attaches to the uterus wall and is connected to the umbilical cord attached to the fetus’ navel. The placenta provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen from the body of the person carrying.
As the placenta plays such a vital role, damage and abnormalities will likely affect the fetus. Placental abnormalities in pregnancy have significantly increased throughout the years. This blog focuses on the various reasons why some women are at higher risk of placental complications.
Understanding Placental Complications
There are various types of placental complications a person might experience during their pregnancy. Let’s take a closer look at a few:
- Placenta Previa: It is a condition when the placenta is placed too low in the uterus, partially or completely blocking the cervix. If the placenta is blocking the cervix during the third trimester, it can lead to complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Premature birth
- Respiratory issues
- Placenta Accreta, Increta, and Percreta: It is a condition where the placenta attaches itself too deeply to the uterus wall. This means, unlike normal placentas, such placentas will not easily detach itself post-delivery. Accreta, increta, and percreta indicate how deep the placenta is embedded.
If the placenta is deeply embedded in the uterine wall, it may lead to the following complications:
- Damage to the uterus and surrounding organs
- Premature birth
- Excessive blood loss
- Placental Insufficiency: It is a condition that occurs when the placenta is not functioning properly, meaning it is not properly supplying the nutrients and oxygen the fetus needs to develop. If the placenta is not able to perform, it can lead to the following complications:
- Fetal hypoxia
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
- Placental Abruption: It is a condition where the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall before delivery. In cases where the uterus detaches from the uterus, the following complications may arise:
- Premature birth
- Brain injury
- Stillbirth
Risk Factors for Placental Complications
Let’s look into some factors that increase the risk of placental complications during pregnancy.
- Maternal Age: Various research shows that people who get pregnant during their teenage years or after age 35 are more likely to face placental complications. To avoid such complications, it is ideal to have children at an age when the individual and their reproductive system are fully developed and healthy.
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are likely to face placental complications during their pregnancy. Conditions like hypertension can cause a decrease in blood flow to the placenta, while diabetes may affect its development. Even auto-immune diseases can affect placental health. It is best to take extra precautions by following regular checkups and medication to ensure safety.
- Previous Pregnancy Complications: Individuals who have a history of miscarriage, a c-section, or have had placental complications during their previous pregnancies are more likely to face placental issues. Though such complications increase the risk of placental problems, following regular checkups and taking other precautions is best.
- Lifestyle Factors: People who have indulged in smoking, drugs or do not have proper nutrition intake are at a higher risk of placental complications during their pregnancy. An individual planning to get pregnant must make major lifestyle changes and get healthy to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
- Multiple Pregnancies: People who are carrying two or more fetuses are at a higher risk of facing placental complications during pregnancy. This can occur due to a lack of supply to one or more placentas. It is ideal to take precautions, follow medical advice, and in case of symptoms, seek medical attention.
Conclusion
Expecting individuals must take proper precautions to prevent placental complications. Following medical advice and routine checkups can help detect signs early and prevent further complications. If individuals notice any signs of placental complications, they must receive medical attention.
