The placenta is a unique organ that helps the baby to grow, develop, receive all the necessary nutrients and even oxygen. It passes the path of development from a thin shell (chorion) to a dense layer lining the cavity of the uterus. Since it is the placenta that is most important for the development of the child, doctors pay close attention to it. Isolate several degrees of maturity of the placenta , which it passes with increasing gestation.
The degree of maturation of the placenta
The placenta is formed around the 12th week and takes on the functions of feeding the baby and regulating the hormonal background of the mother. Thus the placenta is in the process of changes, adapting to the needs of the child. During screening ultrasound, which are conducted at 20 and 32 weeks, or more often, according to indications, experts carefully assess the degree of its maturity. The fact is that changes can be not only natural, physiological, but also pathological. In this case, a decision is made on the use of drugs or even emergency delivery.
How is the maturity stage of the placenta determined?
The placenta in pregnant women has a certain structure, which is evaluated by ultrasound. Zero degree of maturity corresponds to the placenta, which has a homogeneous structure that does not have any inclusions. As a rule, such a placenta is observed from the beginning of the second trimester and lasts up to 30 weeks. However, as early as 27 weeks, changes in the structure of the placenta may occur, echogenic inclusions appear, slight waviness is noted. This is the 1st grade placenta. Gradually in the placenta, more and more severe changes are noted, large and small inclusions increase. Closer to childbirth, approximately to 37-38 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta acquires a lobular structure, there are sites of salt deposition, this is the third degree of maturity. If the degree of change in the structures does not correspond to the term, then the premature maturation of the placenta is diagnosed.
The first degree of maturity of the placenta
Sometimes, when the situation looks doubtful, a specialist in the ultrasound protocol can record the degree of maturation of the placenta 0 1 or the maturity of the placenta 1 2. If the timing is at the junctions of different degrees of maturation, then this situation is quite normal. If the period is too early, the midwife who observes your pregnancy will take all measures to slow the maturation of the placenta, as well as to closely monitor the baby's condition. In addition, it is necessary to assess the status of uteroplacental blood flow, this will confirm or deny the diagnosis.
However, the maturity of the placenta 1 allows the baby to be well supplied with nutrients and often at this stage premature ripening requires only observation. At the next ultrasound, the mom will check the maturity of the placenta and, if necessary, adjust the treatment regimen.
There is also a reverse situation, later the maturation of the placenta, it is much less common, but still if the placenta is still at the first stage after 34-35 weeks, specialists can suspect violations in the development of the baby, as well as problems in the health of the mother. This condition also requires additional examinations.
The maturation of the placenta varies widely enough, and ultrasound is a subjective method of evaluation. However, if there is a suspicion of early or late maturation of the placenta, you need to recheck the diagnosis, carry out additional studies, and if necessary - treatment. This is the guarantee of the health of the baby.