The placenta in pregnancy is the most important organ that connects the mother to the baby and ensures the normal functioning of the fetus. Over time, as the embryo develops, the placenta has the property of aging, or, in scientific terms, passes through several stages of maturity.
Maturation of the placenta is a natural process that is necessary for the full-fledged provision of the future child with all the necessary nutrients.
The second degree of maturity of the placenta normally corresponds to the terms from 34 to 37 weeks of gestation. During this period, the slightly wavy surface of the placenta becomes more tuberous, multiple clear echopositive inclusions appear. The maturity index of the placenta is usually determined by ultrasound diagnosis, as well as the thickness of the placenta, which is also an important characteristic of the normal functioning of the fetus. At 2 degrees of maturity of the placenta, its thickness should be in the range from 28 to 49 mm. The discrepancy between the thickness of the placenta and the maturity period indicates a violation of the course of pregnancy and a possible threat to the fetus.
Disorders and pathologies associated with the degree of maturation of the placenta
As already mentioned above, the placenta of the second degree of maturity usually corresponds to the term 34-37 weeks of gestation. If, on ultrasound, a woman is put 2 maturity of the placenta at an earlier time, they say premature aging of the placenta .
Premature aging of the placenta
It is characterized by an earlier development of the placenta (aging), which entails possible health-threatening fetal conditions. Most often talk about hypoxia of the fetus, that is, insufficient supply of oxygen, which leads to oxygen starvation. At the same time, due to insufficient supply of the future baby with nutrients, there may be abnormalities on the part of the functions of the brain, and for the process of delivery, their premature onset and severe course.
The causes of premature aging of the placenta:
- diabetes mellitus and other hormonal disorders in the mother's body;
- abortions, which the woman made before the onset of this pregnancy;
- endocrine diseases of the future mother (thyroid disease);
- late toxicosis - gestosis;
- smoking or drinking alcohol by the mother;
- chronic cardiovascular disorders;
- hepatitis and other liver diseases;
- diseases of the urinary system;
- infections of the genital tract and uterus.
However, despite such threatening data, a woman who is diagnosed with the stage of maturity of the placenta 2 at a period of less than 33 weeks should not panic. The doctor will prescribe additional tests and tests on the fetal blood flow. If this pathology is not found, then the woman has nothing to worry about. In the case of confirmation of a real threat to normal life of the fetus, effective treatment in the hospital is prescribed. As a rule, the drug course is aimed at restoring the functions of the placenta for a full-fledged supply of the baby with all nutritional
2 the degree of maturity of the placenta at a time that does not correspond to the norm does not always mean the presence of a pathology. If the doctor does not notice the real threat of premature birth, then most likely, a course of treatment with the drugs Curantil or other appropriate medicines at home will be prescribed. In any case, a woman should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and regularly come to the reception.
And of course, always recommending a great walk in the open air, at least 2 hours a day. This is an excellent prevention of fetal hypoxia, as well as an excellent auxiliary treatment for premature aging of the placenta.