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What exactly is a chorion? It is the external fetal membrane, villi are formed on its surface, the task of which is to increase the functional surface. When the chorion detaches prematurely, not during labor, it is as dangerous a condition as a detachment of the placenta. What can be the consequences of a chorionic villus detachment? Is it a life-threatening condition for the fetus?
The chorion, like the placenta, plays an important role in the proper course of pregnancy. It is made up of two mesodermal and ectodermal layers and is the outermost fetal membrane. What are the functions of the chorion? Is its detachment a threat to the health and life of the mother and the fetus? What are the symptoms of a detached chorion?
Chorionic villus – functions
The chorion plays an important role during pregnancy. It is precisely her vessels that connect directly to the uterus. It is the chorion that produces the HCG hormone at the beginning of pregnancy, and in the later stages it helps to maintain the pregnancy. Around 12-16 weeks of pregnancy, the chorion may have grown enough to form a normal placenta. That is why, if the chorion detaches in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is tantamount to a miscarriage.
Chorionic villus detachment
Unfortunately, there are situations when the chorion may peel off prematurely and it is tantamount to detachment of the placenta. It is a condition that directly threatens the health and life not only of the fetus, but also of the pregnant woman. Of course, in a properly developing pregnancy, the chorion and placenta will also come off, but this will only happen after delivery. Are the detached chorion and placenta symptoms? Of course, it is a condition that a pregnant woman and gynecologist are able to diagnose very quickly. First of all, the detached chorion causes a sudden, sharp pain in the lower abdomen. There may also be spotting and even fairly profuse vaginal bleeding. Each, even the smallest, spotting should be a reason to visit a specialist doctor who can immediately refer you to the hospital for the pathology of pregnancy ward.
It happens that the chorion does not come off completely, then hospitalization is not necessary, but the pregnant woman should lie in bed, she should not undertake any physical exertion, because any load may cause further detachment of the chorion. If symptoms worsen and medications do not bring relief, the attending physician may decide to terminate the pregnancy, and it is very often necessary to lie down until the end of the pregnancy. If the detached chorion causes a hemorrhage, it is an indication for immediate termination of the pregnancy, as this condition may be life-threatening. If the pregnancy is already high in the process of detachment, unfortunately, hypoxia and fetal death may occur. In a situation where the chorion is detached to a lesser extent, a hematoma may form, which may also pose a threat to the fetus and pregnant woman.
What are the causes of chorionic villus detachment?
- smoking, drinking alcohol in pregnancy
- age over 35
- hypertension
- mechanical injuries in the abdominal area (the most dangerous are abdominal injuries in advanced pregnancy)
It is very important to be aware of pregnant women that both the chorion and the placenta ensure the baby’s proper growth and development, so it is important that the chorion and the placenta are monitored during visits to a specialist. Not only gynecological check-ups are important, but most of all ultrasound examination through the abdominal wall.