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The degree of maturity of the placenta: by weeks of pregnancy, what does it mean, the norm, the first
The maturity of the placenta changes over the weeks of pregnancy. On it, doctors can judge whether everything is in order with the expectant mother and the fetus. The placenta is the link between the mother and the unborn baby. Thanks to her, all the necessary substances are delivered to the child’s body. And if something is wrong with the placenta, this is a reason to take action.
What it means: the degree of maturity of the placenta
As the fetus grows, the placenta also develops, gradually increasing its thickness and increasing the number of blood vessels. The older the organ is, the less functional it is and the less it is able to cope with its tasks. As soon as growth stops, aging begins. This means that childbirth is approaching. On the eve of this event, the placenta becomes dense due to calcium deposits.
The degree of maturity of the placenta is determined using ultrasound
In medicine, there is a norm for the development of an organ for various stages of fetal formation. For example, the indicator “0” means the youth of the placenta and the ability to fully provide the baby with the necessary nutrition. There are 4 degrees in total:
- 0 – initial, up to 30 weeks;
- 1 – intermediate, starting at the 27th and ending at the 36th week on average;
- 2 – intermediate, 34-39 weeks;
- 3 – aging, occurs on average after the 36th week.
The state of the organ is determined using ultrasound. The specialist examines the thickness of the placenta, checks if cysts and calcium deposits have formed on it.
Until recently, it was believed that premature aging of the placental complex is the cause of miscarriages. Recent studies have not supported this hypothesis. Aging of an organ before the term can lead to intrauterine fetal hypoxia, that is, to oxygen deficiency.
Pregnant women whose placenta has begun to age prematurely are transferred to the increased attention group. If there are no other pathologies, no additional action is taken.
What are the norms depending on the duration of pregnancy?
At various stages of the development of the placenta, the following symptoms are characteristic:
- Zero degree – no calcium deposits are observed, the structure is homogeneous, chorial, or amniotic, the part is completely smooth.
- First degree – microscopic calcium deposits are visible on ultrasound, minor seals appear, the amniotic fluid takes on a wavy shape.
- Second degree – calcium deposits are clearly visible, depressions appear on the chorial part, the structure of the organ becomes more compacted.
- Third degree – the depressions of the amniotic part reach the basement membrane, cysts and many foci of calcium deposits appear.
Despite the fact that ultrasound is considered a reliable method, you should not rely only on the testimony of the device.
Some of the causes of early aging of the placenta may include:
- excessive intake of calcium,
- infectious diseases,
- hypertension observed in a pregnant woman.
In the presence of these factors, a woman needs more close attention of a doctor.
Early diagnosis allows not only to identify pathologies of the placenta, but also to slow down their development. For this, it is important for the expectant mother to register on time.