The process of formation of the placenta during pregnancy is completed by week 16. From this period, during the ultrasound examination, the degree of maturity of the placenta is determined. Determining the degree of maturity of the placenta is an important diagnostic criterion for judging how much it performs its functions: the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
How to determine the maturity of the placenta 1, 2, 3?
In total there are 4 degrees of maturity of the placenta from 0 to 3. Consider what ultrasound signs correspond to each of these stages:
- the degree of maturity of the placenta 0 is diagnosed before the 30th week of pregnancy. During this period, the structure of the placenta is uniform;
- the degree of maturity of the placenta 1 is determined from 28 to 34 weeks of gestation. This degree of maturity is characterized by the presence of a small number of echogenic inclusions, as well as the appearance of a corrugation of the chorionic plate;
- the degree of maturity of the placenta 2 is determined in a period of 35-39 weeks. On ultrasound of such a placenta, the undulation of the chorionic plate increases and the number of hyperechoic inclusions increases;
- the degree of maturity of the placenta 3 can normally come from the 37th week of pregnancy. The third degree of maturity of the placenta is manifested by lobular structure and pronounced tortuosity of the chorionic membrane.
3 maturation of the placenta before 37 weeks or early maturation of the placenta
Early maturation of the placenta shows the incompetence of the placenta in providing the fetus with oxygen and nutrients, which in turn leads to a delay in intrauterine development. The reasons for this condition can be: extragenital pathology, preeclampsia, bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy, etc. In such cases, a woman will definitely be prescribed treatment aimed at improving blood circulation in the placenta.