Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a calcified placenta is made by the gynecologist. The gynaecologist can detect calcification of the placenta in the ultrasound examination. There, calcifications appear as whitish changes in the placental tissue. Based on the extent of the calcifications and the age of pregnancy, the gynecologist can determine whether they are natural or rather very advanced calcifications. In combination with the condition and developmental stage of the fetus, the gynecologist can determine whether the calcifications are harmless, or whether they could be the result of another previous illness.

Degrees

On the basis of the ultrasound examination, the gynecologist can classify calcifications in the placenta into three degrees, depending on the extent of the calcifications. Slightly pronounced calcifications are called grade I Grannum. They are absolutely natural and can be found in almost every woman towards the end of pregnancy.

One speaks of a grade II Grannum as soon as somewhat stronger, also more prominent calcifications occur. However, these too are to be considered natural at the end of pregnancy and have no disease value. A grade III Grannum is present when severe calcifications of the placenta are present.

These calcifications usually lead to a close monitoring of the pregnancy by the treating gynecologist. However, a grade III Grannum is not dangerous per se, but can also be quite normal at the end of the pregnancy. However, a grade III Grannum in early pregnancy may indicate another pre-existing condition.

How dangerous is this for my baby?

Calcifications in the placenta often lead to uncertainty and concern about the baby’s well-being in expectant mothers. As a rule, however, placental calcifications are not a cause for concern, but rather the expression of a natural maturing and aging process of the placenta.Although the calcifications lead to an undersupply of the placental tissue, this undersupply does not affect the child. There is no shortage of supply for the baby and a healthy birth is not endangered.

Although it has often been suspected that a calcified placenta could lead to miscarriage, interfere with birth or cause fetal stress, these fears have not been confirmed in studies. It has only been shown that a very severely calcified placenta, i.e. a grade III calcification, can be associated with a premature onset of labor. However, this does not necessarily represent a risk for the child.

If the placenta is severely calcified beyond the usual extent, the treating gynecologist will closely monitor the pregnancy in order to be able to immediately detect any reduced care for the baby. Premature calcification of the placenta can be an indication of a pre-existing condition in the mother in need of treatment. These include infectious diseases, diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

In the case of such pre-existing conditions, there may be a risk to the baby. However, placental calcifications are usually natural and harmless. Premature calcification of the placenta can be an indication of an existing pre-existing disease in the mother in need of treatment.

These include infectious diseases, diabetes or pre-eclampsia. In the case of such pre-existing conditions, there may be a risk to the baby. However, placental calcifications are usually natural and harmless.