Baby’s Growth and Development

Placental calcification and aging

Placental calcification and aging

What placental calcification means Placental calcification refers to deposits of mineral salts, mainly calcium-phosphate, within placental tissue. On ultrasound, these deposits can appear as bright, echogenic areas or lines, sometimes described in relation to placental “grading.” At the microscopic level, calcification may be found in areas of trophoblastic tissue, fibrin deposition, or regions where placental […]

Placental insufficiency and low-lying placenta management

Placental insufficiency and low-lying placenta management

Understanding the two conditions The placenta is a temporary but highly specialized organ that supports fetal growth through gas exchange, nutrient transfer, hormone production, and waste removal. Placental insufficiency means that placental perfusion is inadequate for fetal needs, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery. It is not usually a single visible defect; rather, it […]

Placental bleeding conditions overview

Placental bleeding conditions overview

How placental bleeding happens The placenta is a highly vascular interface between maternal circulation and the fetus. Blood normally enters the intervillous space from maternal spiral arteries, bathes the chorionic villi, and returns through maternal veins. Because this system is blood-rich and located within the uterus, disturbances in placental position, attachment, or separation can cause […]

Fetal growth restriction and causes

Fetal growth restriction and causes

What fetal growth restriction means Fetal growth restriction is generally used when a fetus has not achieved its expected growth potential. In clinical practice, suspicion often begins when estimated fetal weight or fetal abdominal circumference is below the 10th percentile for gestational age. However, percentiles are screening tools, not complete diagnoses. A fetus below the […]

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders

What placenta accreta spectrum means In a typical pregnancy, the placenta attaches to the uterine lining and separates after the baby is born. In placenta accreta spectrum disorders, the interface between placenta and uterus is abnormal, so the placenta is too firmly attached or grows too deeply. This creates a high risk of severe hemorrhage […]

Placenta previa and placental abruption explained

Placenta previa and placental abruption explained

Why the placenta matters The placenta is the organ that supports fetal growth by transferring oxygen and nutrients, removing waste products, and producing hormones that help maintain pregnancy. It is attached to the uterine wall and connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Because it is highly vascular, problems with placental position or attachment […]