Synonyms
Diseases of the placentaSince the placenta ensures the nutrition and the supply of oxygen to the child, diseases of the placenta, which are accompanied by a loss of function, lead to an inadequate infantile supply. The circulatory disorders can be present on both the maternal and the fetal side. A malposition of the placenta can also lead to complications, especially during birth.
In the following the most important clinical pictures are briefly outlined for this: This is a functional weakness of the placenta, which becomes apparent in an insufficient supply of the child with oxygen and nutrients. A distinction is made between a chronic and an acute form of placental insufficiency. The latter becomes noticeable within hours and is treated by eliminating the triggering cause.
Triggers are known to be the dislocation of a large vein through the heavy uterus (vena cava compression syndrome), as well as complications of the umbilical cord or placental abruption, placental bleeding or a storm of contractions. The chronic form of placental loss of function develops over weeks to months. It is the consequence of several previous changes and is noticeable in a reduced size of the usable placental surface area.
There are three main changes and deficiency developments that lead to such a loss of placental function. Firstly, small interruptions in the blood supply (infarctions) lead to a loss of placental tissue, which reduces the surface area. The lack of development of fetal vessels within the villi (avascularity) is also a possible cause and prevents the mother’s nutrients from entering the fetal bloodstream, thus also leading to malnutrition of the child.
In addition, deposits of a substance of the blood clotting system called fibrin are known as a change. These deposits lead to blood clotting in the space filled with maternal blood. As it comes likewise to a reduction of the exchange surface.
These three main chronic changes in the placenta can be caused by maternal diseases such as anemia, infections, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes mellitus, a disturbance of kidney function (renal insufficiency) or benign muscle ulcers of the uterus (Uterus myomatosus). But also diseases during pregnancy or certain pregnancy courses are known as causes. These include abortions, blood incompatibilities between mother and child, rapid succession of pregnancies, a very young maternal age (under 18 years) or a high one (over 35 years) and a low-protein diet.
Multiple mothers or mothers who smoke or drink alcohol or use drugs also show a marked increase in the incidence of a poorly formed placenta. The therapy of a chronic functional disorder of the placenta consists in the treatment of the above mentioned diseases or in the elimination of the harmful substances. The child must be observed at close intervals and if there is an acute lack of oxygen, delivery must follow as soon as possible.
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