Why do placentas fail

Blood from the mother flows into the placenta and deposits nutrients and oxygen. Blood from the baby circulates into the placenta and collects the oxygen and nutrients from the mother and sends them to the baby. The placenta carries out several critical functions in this process including. The placenta is also involved in the production of certain pregnancy hormones and in protecting the baby from infection.

The placenta grows ahead of the fetus and continues growing throughout pregnancy. By the time the baby is born the average placenta weighs in at about pounds. In a normal delivery, the placenta comes out shortly after the baby. Placental insufficiency is triggered by lower than normal maternal blood flow.

To carry out its functions properly, blood from the mother must circulate into the placenta at normal levels. Insufficiency results when incoming maternal blood flow levels decrease. This decrease in maternal blood flow can be caused by several medical conditions or events. Placental insufficiency may also be caused by mechanical complications such as if the placenta is not properly attached to the uterus or if it suddenly detaches placental abruption.

As a general rule, the sooner signs of a failing placenta are diagnosed the better the likelihood of a good outcome for the fetus. The key to prompt, early diagnosis of insufficient placental is high-quality prenatal care. Reaching a final diagnosis of uteroplacental insufficiency is usually the result of various prenatal diagnostic tools including:. Unfortunately, no treatment can effectively fix placental insufficiency. However, careful management can successfully minimize potential consequences and adverse effects of the condition.

Appropriate management of placental insufficiency will often depend on how far along the pregnancy is and the stage of fetal development. Scientists have made headway in understanding how pathogens, such as the Zika virus , cross from the mother to the unborn child and cause birth defects, according to research published in Science Advances. After giving birth, many women opt to consume their placentas for multiple health benefits. A new review of studies investigating placenta consumption, however, has failed to uncover any scientific evidence for these benefits, or that the practice is risk-free.

Speak with your healthcare provider to discuss your personal risk for developing placental abnormalities and for recommendations about prevention and treatment.

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Your baby is the size of a papaya and their heartbeat can now be heard through a standard stethoscope. Learn more. What can go wrong with the placenta during pregnancy? Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Risk factors. Placenta previa. Placental abruption. Placental insufficiency.

Placental infarcts. Placenta accreta. News on the placenta from MNT Model placenta could reveal how pathogens reach an unborn child Scientists have made headway in understanding how pathogens, such as the Zika virus , cross from the mother to the unborn child and cause birth defects, according to research published in Science Advances.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. It can also prevent the baby from growing at a normal rate in the womb, known as intrauterine growth restriction IUGR. There can be serious complications for the baby, including lack of oxygen during the birth, premature labour , low blood sugar, too little calcium in the blood, or too many red blood cells and sometimes even stillbirth.

Sometimes the placenta may not grow to be big enough — for example, if you are carrying twins or more. Your lifestyle can also damage the placenta. Medical conditions such as diabetes , pre-eclampsia and blood clotting conditions also increase your risk. Placental insufficiency has no symptoms. Other signs the baby may not be developing properly are that your abdomen is smaller than in previous pregnancies. The condition may be picked up during your routine antenatal tests , which measure the growth of your uterus and the baby.

If your doctor suspects placental insufficiency, they will keep a close eye on your baby's growth. You will be asked to keep a record of the baby's movements and let your medical team know if you notice any changes.

Treatment will depend on the stage of the pregnancy. But if you are full term or there are signs that your baby is under stress, they may decide to induce labour or deliver the baby with a caesarean. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

The placenta develops inside the uterus during pregnancy and provides your baby with nutrients and oxygen. If something goes wrong, it can be serious. The placenta is crucial to keeping your baby alive and well during pregnancy. Read more here.