Health Encyclopedia

Placental insufficiency

Definition

Placental insufficiency is a complication of pregnancy in which the placenta cannot bring enough oxygen and nutrients to a baby growing in the womb. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed a developing baby.

Alternative Names

Placental dysfunction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Certain medical conditions and habits in the mother can lead to placenta insufficiency. These include:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Smoking

In some cases, the placenta may not grow big enough, especially if you are carrying twins or more.

Placental insufficiency may also occur if the placenta does not attach correctly to the surface of the womb, or if it breaks away from this surface or bleeds.

Symptoms

A woman with placenta insufficiency usually does not have any symptoms.

Signs and tests

A pregnant woman should receive proper prenatal care. The health care provider will measure the size of your growing womb (uterus) at each visit, starting about halfway through your pregnancy.

Tests that may be done include:

Pregnancy ultrasound to measure the growth of the baby (may be done more often than in a normal pregnancy)
Monitoring of the baby’s heart rate (nonstress test)

Treatment

Treating any underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, is important, and helps to improve the baby's growth.

Your doctor may tell you rest in bed for some or all of the remainder of the pregnancy.

Expectations (prognosis)

Problems with the placenta can affect the developing baby's growth. The baby cannot grow and develop normally in the womb if it does not get enough oxygen and nutrients.

In some cases, placenta insufficiency leads to an abnormally low weight in the baby, a condition called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This increases the chances of complications during pregnancy and delivery. For more information, see: IUGR

Prevention

Getting prenatal care early in pregnancy will help make sure that the mother is as healthy as possible during the pregnancy.

Smoking, alcohol, and other illicit drugs can interfere with the baby's growth. Avoiding these substances may help prevent placental insufficiency and other pregnancy complications.

References

Baschat AA, Galan HL, Ross MG, Gabbe SG. Intrauterine growth restriction. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap.29.

Review Date:5/23/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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