+919674493673 
mailus@wbcsmadeeasy.in
Medical Science Notes – For W.B.C.S. Examination – Placenta.
মেডিকেল সায়েন্স নোট – WBCS পরীক্ষা – প্ল্যাসেন্টা।
What does the placenta do?
The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. This structure provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby’s blood. The placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby’s umbilical cord arises from it. The organ is usually attached to the top, side, front or back of the uterus. In rare cases, the placenta might attach in the lower uterine region (placenta previa).Continue Reading Medical Science Notes – For W.B.C.S. Examination – Placenta.
What affects placental health?
Various factors can affect the health of the placenta during pregnancy, some modifiable and some not. For example:
- Maternal age. Certain placental problems are more common in older women, especially after age 40.
- Premature rupture of the membranes. During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded and cushioned by a fluid-filled membrane called the amniotic sac. If the sac leaks or breaks before labor begins, the risk of certain placental problems increases.
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect your placenta.
- Twin or other multiple pregnancy. If you’re pregnant with more than one baby, you might be at increased risk of certain placental problems.
- Blood-clotting disorders. Any condition that either impairs your blood’s ability to clot or increases its likelihood of clotting increases the risk of certain placental problems.
- Previous uterine surgery. If you’ve had a previous surgery on your uterus, such as a C-section or surgery to remove fibroids, you’re at increased risk of certain placental problems.
- Previous placental problems. If you’ve had a placental problem during a previous pregnancy, you might have a higher risk of experiencing it again.
- Substance misuse. Certain placental problems are more common in women who smoke or use illegal drugs, such as cocaine, during pregnancy.
- Abdominal trauma. Trauma to your abdomen — such as from a fall or other type of blow — increases the risk of the placenta prematurely separating from the uterus (placenta abruption).
What are the most common placental problems?
During pregnancy, possible placental problems include placental abruption, placenta previa and placenta accreta. These conditions can cause potentially heavy vaginal bleeding. After delivery, retained placenta is also sometimes a concern. Here’s what you need to know about these conditions:
- Placental abruption (abruptio placentae). If the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery — either partially or completely — a condition known as placental abruption develops. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause you to bleed heavily. Placenta abruption could result in an emergency situation requiring early delivery.
- Placenta previa. This condition occurs when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervix — the outlet for the uterus. Placenta previa is more common early in pregnancy and might resolve as the uterus grows. Placenta previa can cause severe vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or delivery. The management of this condition depends on the amount of bleeding, whether the bleeding stops, how far along your pregnancy is, the position of the placenta, and your and your baby’s health. If placenta previa persists late in the third trimester, your health care provider will recommend a C-section.
- Placenta accreta. This condition occurs when the blood vessels and other parts of the placenta grow too deeply into the uterine wall. Typically, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth. With placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains firmly attached to the uterus. This can cause severe blood loss after delivery. Your health care provider will recommend a C-section followed by removal of your uterus (hysterectomy). In aggressive cases, the placenta invades the muscles of the uterus (placenta increta) or grows through the uterine wall (placenta percreta).
- Retained placenta. If the placenta isn’t delivered within 30 minutes after childbirth, it’s known as a retained placenta. A retained placenta might occur because the placenta becomes trapped behind a partially closed cervix or because the placenta is still attached to the uterine wall — either loosely (adherent placenta) or deeply (placenta accreta). Left untreated, a retained placenta can cause severe infection or life-threatening blood loss.
What are signs or symptoms of placental problems?
Consult your health care provider during pregnancy if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Uterine contractions
Please subscribe here to get all future updates on this post/page/category/website
