The placenta throughout the entire pregnancy develops and passes through several stages of maturation. In the period from 2 to 30 weeks it is at the zero stage - the period of development. From 30 to 33 weeks the placenta grows, and this period is called the first stage of maturity. The period of the second degree of maturity of the placenta is 33-34 weeks. And after 37 weeks the placenta is aging - is in the third stage of maturity.
The degree of maturity of the placenta is determined by ultrasound. And sometimes the doctor diagnoses premature aging of the placenta. Why is this happening?
What causes premature aging of the placenta?
There are several reasons for premature ripening of the placenta. Among them:
- excessive or, conversely, insufficient body weight of a pregnant woman;
- presence of chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, kidney disease, liver, urogenital system;
- presence of abortions and complicated pregnancies and childbirth in the anamnesis;
- mechanical damage to the uterus;
- pathology of the circulatory system (blood clotting disorders and others);
- infectious diseases during pregnancy;
- smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs;
- severe toxemia in early pregnancy ;
- gestosis;
- rhesus-conflict.
What threatens the early aging of the placenta?
A consequence of this phenomenon may be a violation of the blood supply to the fetus. Because of this, he will not receive oxygen and nutrients. As a consequence, hypoxia and hypotrophy (low weight) may develop.
In addition, premature aging of the placenta threatens the development in the child of brain pathologies, early discharge of amniotic fluid, premature detachment of the placenta and miscarriage.
In order to prevent this, it is necessary to pass all necessary examinations in a timely manner and, when identifying problems with the placenta, to take the prescribed treatment.