Diagnosis of placental insufficiency
Acute placental insufficiency is particularly noticeable in ultrasound examinations and through changes in the CTG. The CTG measures the mother’s contractions and the heart rate of the child. In acute placental insufficiency, the child is bradycardic, which means that the heartbeat is slowed.
Such a slowing down of the heart rate in the CTG is also called deceleration. This is caused by the lack of oxygen supply (hypoxia) in placental insufficiency. An ultrasound examination can reveal, for example, a premature dissolution of the placenta.
Doppler sonography can reveal unusual changes in the blood flow in the placenta. Chronic placental insufficiency is manifested by various changes that can be seen in the ultrasound.Calcification of the placenta and a low amount of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) are also typical of chronic placental insufficiency. The physical development of the child (biometry) is also assessed in the ultrasound examination.
There, a deficient development due to the poor blood circulation becomes apparent. The ultrasound examination (sonography) plays a very important role in the diagnosis of placental insufficiency. Various things are assessed, such as the amount of amniotic fluid, the physical development of the child and the appearance of the placenta itself.
In the case of chronic placental insufficiency, a deficient development of the child is seen, which can be determined on the basis of various parameters, such as the crown-rump length, the length of the femur (femur length), the circumference of the thorax (thoracic circumference) and the diameter of the cerebellum. Ultrasound is also used to determine the amount of amniotic fluid, which can be reduced in placental insufficiency. This is called an oligodydramnion.
When assessing the placenta itself, various abnormalities can be detected. Calcifications, as well as a reduced placenta size and thickness speak for a placental insufficiency. An anterior placenta (placenta praevia) or an early placental dissolution can also be detected in this way.
Can placental insufficiency be prevented?
Placental insufficiency can have various causes. Some causes can be actively prevented, but unfortunately others cannot. Abstinence from drugs, alcohol and tobacco are important measures to prevent placental insufficiency.
By avoiding these harmful substances, the expectant mother has a great influence on her own and her child’s health. A low-protein diet or malnutrition in general can also affect the function of the placenta. Pregnant women should therefore avoid diets and attach importance to a healthy and balanced diet.
Furthermore, very pregnant women should take care not to lie on their back for long periods of time, as this can lead to vena cava compression syndrome. When lying down, the left side position should be preferred. In addition, it is very important to take advantage of the regular check-ups during pregnancy. If general illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease or anaemia are present, it is important to check the treatment regularly and discuss the condition with the doctor treating you.
