To understand the meaning of the term “old placenta,” you need to know the peculiarities of the functioning of this organ. Firstly, the placenta is a unique organ whose lifespan is limited to only nine months. During these nine months, the placenta goes through all stages of life - birth, growth, development, maturity, aging and death. The death of the placenta occurs after the birth of the child, when it separates from the walls of the uterus and comes out after the fetus. This means that by the time of birth the placenta should already have “aged”.

Doctors often use the simple term “old” to describe the functional insufficiency of the placenta and the changes that have occurred in its structure. This specifically means premature aging of the placenta, which can lead to fetal hypoxia, premature birth, threat of miscarriage, etc.

In principle, aging of the placenta is a normal physiological process if it occurs in due time. For example, an old placenta with a degree of maturity of 2 or 3 at 40 weeks of gestation is normal. But if the placenta becomes old ahead of schedule, then it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment aimed at normalizing blood circulation in the mother-fetus system in order to prevent hypoxia and possible underdevelopment of the child.

Currently, there are clearly defined criteria for the normal degree of maturity of the placenta for each stage of pregnancy. If the degree of maturity of the placenta is higher than expected according to the stage of pregnancy, then they say that it is old. So, before the 30th week of pregnancy, the placenta should be of zero degree of maturity. If the 1st or 2nd degree of maturity is detected before the 27th week, then the placenta, in relation to this situation, is old. If during the period from the 31st to the 34th weeks of pregnancy the degree of maturity of the placenta is 2 or 3, then it is also old. From the 36th to the 37th week, the normal maturity level should be 2 or 3.

Thus, the concept of “old placenta” is relative and is used to describe certain changes in the structure of the organ that occur before the due date.

The placenta is a special organ that originates and grows in the uterine cavity during pregnancy, the main task of which is the correct connection of the blood supply systems of the fetus and matter. In the body of the placenta, biochemical processes take place that are responsible for the normal development of pregnancy, for the production of special hormones that provide the fetus with oxygen, and also protect it from the influence of harmful factors. After the birth of a child, the baby's place dies and separates 30 - 50 minutes after birth.

Degrees of placenta maturity at different stages of pregnancy

Like any organ, the placenta has its own “age,” that is, it is born, develops and matures, and then ages and dies after childbirth. This is a normal physiological process, however, early, premature maturation or aging of the placenta poses a threat to the health and life of the baby.

Currently, in obstetric and gynecological practice, four stages of placental maturation are differentiated, and each of them normally corresponds to a certain period of pregnancy.

However, there are so-called transitional stages when signs of adjacent degrees of maturity may appear, which is associated with different rates of development of the fetus and placenta, which occurs from its edges to the center.

• 0 – zero degree of maturity (according to the classification of Grannum P.A. 1979) can be diagnosed up to the 30th week;
• 0 – I degree (transitional period) is typical for weeks 29, 30;
• I – the first degree of maturity is observed at 30–32 weeks;
• I – II (transition period) is diagnosed at 32 – 34 weeks;
• II – the second degree of maturity corresponds to 34 – 40 weeks;
• II – III (transition period) can last from 35 to 40;
• III - third degree of maturity is diagnosed at 37 - 38 weeks to 40.

If pregnancy proceeds correctly, placental growth is completed by 36–37 weeks. After this, the thickness of the body of the child's seat decreases or does not change. Ultrasound research method (ultrasound) allows you to determine the thickness of the baby's place and the degree of its development, which is directly related to the state of the chorionic membrane (chorionic membrane surrounding the fetus and lining the fetal surface of the placenta), parenchyma (villous outer membrane of the embryo) and basal layer (connective tissue uterine mucosa).

Changes in the structure of the placenta at different stages of pregnancy

At 0 degree of development of the placenta, its structure is homogeneous. The chorionic membrane is flat and smooth, without undulations. The basal layer is not defined.

If the zero degree of maturity changes to degree I before reaching the 27th week, this indicates premature development of the placenta. As a rule, this condition occurs in the presence of negative factors: viral diseases such as rubella, chickenpox, suffered during pregnancy, smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.

During the period of I degree At maturity, the growth of the placenta stops, and the body of the placental substance becomes thicker, and individual hyperechoic zones can be found in it, clearly visible during ultrasound examination; the chorionic plate becomes uneven. If at this time the doctor determines the II degree of maturity, this may be a sign of possible developmental disorders. In this case, it is necessary to take medications that activate blood flow in the vessels of the child's place.

At stage II of maturity (35–39 weeks), multiple echo-positive small inclusions are observed during ultrasound, the roughness of the chorionic plate increases, but its depressions do not reach the basal layer. In the basal layer itself there are small echogenic zones located linearly (the so-called basal “dotted line”). This stage of pregnancy is the most calm and stable. And even if in the middle of this period a pregnant woman is diagnosed with stage III maturity, this does not often become a cause for alarm.

Stage III is usually observed at 37–38 weeks, when the placenta reaches the final phase in its development and corresponds to the period of a normal full-term pregnancy. This period is characterized by the biological aging of the placenta, the structure of which becomes lobar, and the depressions of the chorionic membrane reach the basal layer. This stage requires a detailed analysis of any inconsistencies observed in the body of the placenta, since even minor deviations from normal development can be signs of threatening complications. If diagnosis at stage III of development indicates fetal hypoxia, then management of labor using surgical intervention (caesarean section) is often recommended.

Premature aging of the placenta

Premature aging of the placenta is noted in cases where stage II appears before 32 weeks, and stage III before 36 weeks. This is not yet evidence of pregnancy pathology, but requires mandatory monitoring of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus and baby's place.

In the case of premature maturation of the child's place, a special protein is deposited on the villi, which is released from the blood circulating between them, and prevents their participation in the metabolic processes of the uterine and placental blood flow. At this stage, by the end of 39–40 weeks, a decrease in the thickness of the placental membrane is recorded from 25 to 6 μm. Dystrophic changes are observed in the tissues of the placenta; lime salts settle in certain areas.

If the degree of maturation does not correspond to the duration of pregnancy, for example, when it should be I according to the weeks of pregnancy, but it is stated to be II, or at 33 weeks the III degree is detected, then a natural question arises: What is the danger?

The placenta, as one of the most important links in a single biological system that unites the fetus, the umbilical cord and the mother’s body, works on many life problems:

• Provides oxygen to fetal tissue cells and removes carbon dioxide from the blood;
• Delivers nutrients to cells and removes metabolic products;
• It is a barrier and filter that protect the embryo from the negative effects of harmful substances entering the mother’s body: drugs, toxins, bacteria;
• Produces hormones necessary for the proper development of pregnancy.

Therefore, premature aging or death of areas of the child's place negatively affects these functions. Deterioration of blood flow in the vessels of the uteroplacental system when the maturity of the placenta does not correspond to the established weeks of pregnancy is dangerous for the development of placental insufficiency, leading to hypoxia and malnutrition of the fetus, and in the worst case, intrauterine death.

Causes of premature aging of the placenta.

The most common reasons:

1. Nicotine, alcohol and drugs that poison the cells of a child's place.
2. Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease.
3. Hypertension in a pregnant woman.
4. Late toxicosis (gestosis).
5. Mother's blood is Rh negative.
6. Previa and early placental abruption.
7. Multiple births.
8. Endocrine disorders.
9. Multiple births.
10. Intrauterine infections.

Late maturation of the placenta, causes and consequences

Such a diagnosis in the practice of pregnancy and childbirth is less common than the determination of premature maturation of the placenta. The main reasons for this status of a child's place are:

• primary and secondary diabetes mellitus in pregnant women;
• negative Rh factor leading to Rh conflict;
• chronic diseases of the expectant mother;
• smoking during pregnancy;
• alcohol consumption;
• fetal malformations.

If the development of the placenta is delayed and its maturation is late, we can say that it does not fulfill its mandatory functions - providing the baby with oxygen and the nutrients necessary for its proper development. In addition, carbon dioxide and metabolic products are retained in the fetal body, which contributes to its intoxication and leads to developmental delays.

The prognosis for a diagnosis of “late maturation of the placenta” is in most cases unfavorable without qualified medical treatment in a hospital setting. Otherwise, there is a high risk of stillbirth and mental retardation in the fetus.

Thus, the maturation of the placenta, its development, aging and death are natural processes, but the syndrome of premature aging and late maturation requires special attention. Modern methods of studying blood flow in the fetal-placental system have shown that an expanded analysis of its circulation allows the attending physician to make an accurate diagnosis.

And this makes it possible to prescribe the most effective treatment, choosing the optimal tactics for pregnancy management and obstetric care in order to achieve their favorable completion and the birth of a healthy child.

The placenta forms during pregnancy. The production of hormones, sufficient oxygen supply to the fetus, and nutrients depend on it. There is a certain scheme for the maturation of the placenta, which was laid down by nature. Premature aging of the placenta has negative consequences on the health of the fetus and the expectant mother.

Premature maturation of the placenta

The placenta provides nutritional functions for the baby's blood circulation and respiration. In a baby, these processes cannot occur independently until all organs are formed. The functions of breathing and feeding occur with the support of the mother. The placenta protects the baby from various infections.

The placenta, like other organs in our body, ages and by the 37th week of pregnancy is preparing to leave the body.

But often, if a woman has a frivolous attitude towards her health during pregnancy, early maturation of the placenta occurs. The development of this organ ahead of time is a pathology and entails various consequences. If the placenta begins to ripen a little prematurely, this does not mean that the situation is critical. This may be due to the characteristics of the woman’s body. If the placenta matures before 36 weeks, this indicates early maturation, which must be stopped.

Accelerated maturation of the placenta threatens:

• Lack of oxygen;
• Lack of nutrients;
• Placental abruption;
• Termination of pregnancy is possible.

Insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients often leads to low child weight and hypoxia. A placenta that ages prematurely can lead to the birth of a child with brain pathologies and damage to the organs of the mother or child. It happens that leads to death. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to stop the premature maturation of the placenta in time.

Aging of the placenta: stages

Maturation and aging of the placenta is a natural process. We can talk about the pathology of this process if the placenta begins to age ahead of schedule. Aging of this organ leads to a decrease in its functions. The placenta of the second degree of maturity stops growing and cannot fully provide oxygen and nutrients to the child during its development. Signs of premature aging are diagnosed by ultrasound and CTG.

The development of the placenta goes through four stages:

• The placenta is formed from 2 to 30 weeks;
• From 30 to 33 weeks growth occurs;
• From 34 to 36 weeks the placenta matures;
• At 37 weeks the placenta ages.

In some cases of placenta aging too quickly, doctors may advise terminating the pregnancy.

Causes of placenta aging during pregnancy and what to do

The causes of pathology of placental development in pregnant women can be very different. This may be an individual characteristic of a pregnant woman’s body, or the influence of any pathologies or infections on the placenta.

Common causes of placental aging:

• Disease of the endocrine system;
• Kidney and liver diseases;
• Alcohol;
• Smoking;
• Infections of the genital organs and uterus;
• Severe toxicosis;
• Excess weight;
• Previous abortions or difficult childbirth.

The placenta works to protect the baby from negative external influences. If the mother does not eat properly, the placenta has to protect the fetus from harmful substances with redoubled force. This leads to faster development of the placenta and aging earlier than expected. This development also occurs due to smoking, drinking alcohol, if the placenta has to protect the fetus from infections. Infectious diseases can lead, in addition to aging of the placenta, to polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios.

Early maturation of the placenta: why and for whom

Early maturation of the placenta is diagnosed by ultrasound, and the diagnosis is determined solely by ultrasound data. If the degree of maturation of the placenta does not correspond to the timing of pregnancy, then rapid maturation occurs, and as a result, aging of the placenta.

If, based on the results of an ultrasound, a diagnosis of early maturation has been determined, you should not panic ahead of time.

Early maturation of the placenta does not always indicate any pathologies. It is necessary to undergo treatment that will help normalize normal blood flow, and monitor the child’s condition using CTG. In the first months of pregnancy, early maturation of the placenta can lead to miscarriage or abnormalities in the child. Due to lack of oxygen, brain cells may die. It can also lead to early placental abruption.

Early maturation of the placenta causes oxygen starvation in the baby. The baby's heart begins to work faster to speed up blood flow and provide oxygen to the tissues. In this case, the child begins to show sudden activity, or, on the contrary, calms down. Such manifestations should alert a woman.

If the diagnosis of early maturation is made on time and appropriate treatment is prescribed, then premature maturation does not threaten either the child or the mother. It is dangerous if you allow fetoplacental insufficiency. This leads to serious consequences.

Treatment of premature placental maturation: 32 weeks of pregnancy

At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the baby noticeably gains weight and height. Its development largely depends on heredity transmitted from parents. During this period, subject to normal development, the placenta stops growing and after a month begins to age.

But if at 32 weeks the third degree of placental maturation is reached, then we can say that premature aging occurs.

Symptoms that can be used to determine premature ripening of the placenta do not appear. It is not possible to independently understand that the development of the placenta does not correspond to the timing of pregnancy. These signs are revealed only by ultrasound and CTG. Based on the results of the ultrasound, they conclude that the child lacks oxygen and nutrients. Tests for infections are prescribed. Treatment drugs are prescribed if the child’s condition worsens.

Treatment is carried out only in a hospital. Taking medications and IVs is under the supervision of doctors. It is during hospitalization that full assistance can be provided. Premature ripening of the placenta often gives rise to a birth with medical assistance, and earlier than expected. If doctors are concerned about the baby's health, they may decide to give birth by Caesarean section early.

If the diagnosis is not made in time and treatment is not prescribed, premature aging can lead to the fact that the child may suffocate from lack of oxygen. There is no specific treatment regimen for premature placental maturity. Treatment usually involves prescribing vitamins, rest, and eliminating the causes that led to premature ripening of the placenta. Medicines such as Actovegin and Curantil are prescribed. It is not possible to cure the placenta. The prescribed treatment is aimed at maintaining the placenta to facilitate its work and improve blood circulation.

Timely measures taken and compliance with all recommendations help to give birth to a healthy baby on time and avoid the consequences of premature aging of the placenta.

During pregnancy, the placenta matures, develops, and ages. These are all natural processes. But if the development of the placenta does not correspond to the timing of pregnancy, this deserves special attention. Blood flow studies using modern methods allow for accurate diagnosis and timely diagnosis. Thanks to this, treatment results become better, and the chosen tactics for managing pregnancy, if the placenta is old, allows you to achieve the most favorable completion of pregnancy and childbirth.

Causes of premature aging of the placenta (video)

Early aging of the placenta can also begin in late pregnancy. If this process does not occur too quickly, then the pregnancy ends with the birth of a child in a natural way with a small weight. If the placenta ages too quickly, doctors may decide to deliver the baby by cesarean section. This decision is made if it is necessary to preserve the life and health of the child. Prevention is very important.

When a woman is negligent about her health, she may develop premature ripening of the placenta. Most often, it is ignoring important health problems that causes this trouble.

Placenta interesting
what to do at the doctor's care
ultrasound pain heaviness
Convenient listening to the doctor

Pathology appears due to various diseases, physiological and hereditary factors. Among the reasons causing premature maturation of the placenta are the following:

• early abortions;
• disturbances in the functioning of the excretory, endocrine, cardiovascular systems;
• physical impact on the genitals;
• genital infections;
• diabetes mellitus;
• structural features of the genital organs;
• maternal infertility;
• involuntary termination of pregnancy;
• gestosis;
• overweight or underweight;
• presence of difficult labor;
• pathologies of the circulatory system;
• damage to the uterus due to mechanical stress;
• smoking;
• Rhesus conflict.

As you can see, there are many reasons why the placenta begins to ripen prematurely. Typically, the so-called “baby organ” begins to form from 2 to 30 weeks. By the 37th week, he is aging and preparing to leave the female body after childbirth.

Intrauterine development

Sometimes, some women experience early maturation of their placenta, which occurs from 20 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is a pathology and can be very dangerous for the life and health of the child. In principle, from the name of the problem it is clear what exactly the term “premature maturation of the placenta” means. The disease is very unpleasant, but there is no need to panic right away. The main thing is to follow the recommendations of your doctor.

How to diagnose the disease

Signs of premature ripening of the placenta do not appear in any way, so a woman cannot independently determine the development of the disease. The fact that the placenta has matured ahead of schedule can only be detected by ultrasound examination. A woman undergoes it several times during her pregnancy. But sometimes there are situations when even a high-quality ultrasound machine does not allow an accurate diagnosis.

In this case, cardiotocography is prescribed. There is no need to worry, because CHT is a completely harmless procedure. It is prescribed to all pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Also find out about and.

When at 20 weeks a planned ultrasound examination shows a suspicion of premature maturation of the placenta, CHT is carried out ahead of schedule. The study allows you to identify the baby’s activity and determine whether he is receiving enough oxygen. Since there are no signs of early maturation of the “children’s place”, a routine examination should not be neglected.

How dangerous is trouble?

Regardless of the reasons why the premature maturation of the placenta began, it entails negative consequences. Especially if it happens much earlier than the deadline. When the problem was diagnosed at less than 30 weeks of pregnancy, it needs to be addressed urgently.

Every expectant mother needs to know what her pathology is. Because of this, a limited amount of oxygen and nutrients reaches the fetus. As a result, the baby may be diagnosed with malnutrition (low weight) and hypoxia.

Moreover, if the placenta begins to ripen prematurely, disruptions in the blood supply to the baby occur. This is dangerous:

• miscarriage;
• early outpouring of water;
• detachment of the “children’s organ”.

Fetal development

If prompt measures are not taken, the fetus will be born with low weight and brain diseases, or a miscarriage will occur. During pregnancy, an experienced doctor will not only explain to you in detail what premature maturation of your placenta is, but will also prescribe competent treatment, which is very important.

Treatment of dangerous pathology

When already at the 33rd week of pregnancy the placenta begins to mature prematurely, the woman must be hospitalized and undergo a comprehensive examination. A thorough examination can confirm the diagnosis.

If there really is a problem and the baby is not getting the necessary nutrients, doctors usually prescribe stimulant medications. These include Actovegin. Taking this drug on your own is strictly prohibited. Treatment should only be carried out under the close supervision of an experienced physician.

When the deviation is less than 7 days, it is not necessary to go to the hospital. Most likely, you will simply be prescribed additional examination. This is necessary to clarify whether the “children’s place” is really maturing ahead of time, and whether treatment is needed. If the period is very short, sometimes the gynecologist recommends an abortion, since it is impossible to completely stop the aging process. You can only slow it down. By the end of pregnancy, the organ can become completely old, so the fetus will either die or be born with serious pathologies.

When the placenta begins to ripen prematurely at 31 or later weeks of pregnancy, the baby may be born completely healthy, but will be slightly underweight. In this case, childbirth can be carried out naturally. When the process proceeds too quickly, the doctor decides to perform a caesarean section. This is necessary to preserve the life and health of the child.

If at 28 weeks of pregnancy your placenta has begun its premature state, and the doctor suggests going to the hospital, you should not refuse this. You will be prescribed IVs that will improve the blood supply to the fetus and provide it with sufficient oxygen. Vitamin preparations are often prescribed, which are administered through an IV or prescribed in tablet form.

When infectious pathologies become the cause of early maturation of the “children’s place” at 30 weeks, the doctor prescribes various medications. For each disease, its own medications are prescribed, so you cannot treat yourself.

1. Acute toxoplasmosis. Taking Rovamycin, Sulfadiazine, folic acid and multivitamins.
2. Urogenital infection. Treatment with Aspirin, Actovegin, vitamin therapy, as well as for one month, you must take one capsule of Essentiale-Forte three times a day.
3. Chlamydia infection. Valprafen is usually prescribed for two weeks in a row, twice a day, or Erythromycin, Clarithromycin according to a similar regimen.
4. Mycoplasma infection. The treatment is the same as for the development of chlamydia infection.
5. Genital infections. Geviran is prescribed twice a day for ten days.

If the placenta matures prematurely at about 30-34 weeks, and the expectant mother had ARVI or pneumonia during pregnancy, then doctors prescribe her the drug Vampilox. If bad habits are identified, the doctor individually develops a course of therapeutic measures that can eliminate the insufficiency of placental function.

Possible allocations

When, even before the 22nd week, the doctor discovers any abnormalities at the chromosomal level, the question of terminating the pregnancy is raised.

You should not self-medicate if you have been diagnosed with problems with the placenta. All medications should only be prescribed by your doctor. Some girls listen to the advice of traditional medicine. This is useful, but you shouldn't go to extremes. Various herbal infusions are unlikely to have effects. However, it would be useful:

• walk in the fresh air more often;
• include fortified foods with a high content of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet;
• Get enough sleep and try not to get nervous.

Remember that premature ripening of the placenta is very dangerous, because it does not protect the child. The organ stops supplying the fetus with nutrients and becomes covered with salts. Only correct and prompt treatment will allow you to get rid of the problem and give birth to a healthy baby.

Premature aging of the placenta is a threatening condition. Any pregnant woman can encounter it. Why the “baby seat” begins to lose its functions ahead of schedule and what to do about it, we will tell you in this article.

How does the “children's place” mature?

The “baby place”, or placenta, is a temporary organ necessary for a woman and child only during pregnancy. It has a spongy structure, one side fits tightly to the wall of the uterus, from where it draws reserves of maternal blood, and the other is connected to the fetus through the umbilical cord. The placenta performs protective functions, preventing the blood of mother and baby from mixing. It also acts as an intermediary in gas exchange and nutrition: through the placenta, through a vein in the umbilical cord structure, the baby receives fresh blood with oxygen and vitamins, and through two arteries inside the umbilical cord, waste products of the baby are returned to the placenta: urea, carbon dioxide, creatinine. The placenta produces hormones important for pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding.

A week after ovulation, the fertilized egg enters the uterine cavity and its main task is to implant. The chorionic membrane, which “grows” into the maternal endometrium, helps with this. At the site of attachment, a chorion is formed, which gradually transforms into the placenta. The formation of the “baby place” is completed by 14–16 weeks of pregnancy. The young placenta takes its final shape by 20 weeks. Until the middle of pregnancy, the “baby place” grows and expands. After this, it only slightly increases in thickness.

The closer to childbirth, the less functional the placenta is: it exhausts its resources and begins to age. First, its shells become wavy, then inclusions of calcium salt deposits appear in the placenta, then these inclusions become more extensive - the placenta changes from spongy to denser and begins to become thinner. All these processes fit into four degrees of maturity.

If the degrees succeed each other within the prescribed time limits, this does not pose any danger. If the placenta “fades away” too quickly, they talk about its premature aging.

Norms and deviations

A young and vibrant placenta has a zero degree of maturity. This means that the resources of the “children’s place” are not exhausted - the baby receives everything necessary for his development. Normally, zero degree of maturity is recorded before the 30th week of pregnancy.

The first degree of maturity of the placenta indicates that changes have begun: the growth of the network of vessels and tissues has stopped, the membrane becomes wavy. But the “children’s seat” performs its functions properly – the baby is comfortable, and there is enough of everything. The first degree normally corresponds to 30-34 weeks of pregnancy.

The second degree of maturity describes active regressive processes in the “baby place”: fragmentary thinning of the placenta may appear, its structure becomes more dense, and calcium salt deposits appear. If stage 2 is established within the normal timeframe, you don’t have to worry - the placenta copes with its tasks without harming the baby. The second degree will not be considered pathological if the pregnancy is already 35–38 weeks.

Third degree - mature or old placenta. The structure, which previously resembled a fairly smooth cake, becomes lobed: lobes are defined, the membrane is uneven, salt deposits are clearly visible. Typically, stage 3 is recorded immediately before birth: in the last couple of weeks, and sometimes just a few days before birth.

If the doctor sets an intermediate degree, for example, 0–1 or 1–2, it means that the ultrasound showed signs of a transition from one stage of development of the “children’s place” to another, but the transition itself has not yet been completed. With transitional degrees, the most incomprehensible moments and misunderstandings usually arise. To make it easier to understand what is normal and what is not, you should know that grade 0–1 at 27–28 weeks of pregnancy is not a pathology, but a variant of the norm.

After 30 weeks, the doctor can diagnose both the first and transitional (0–1) degrees. But grade 1–2 at 32 weeks is an obvious pathology, since there is still about a month before the transition to the second degree. The onset of stage 3 maturity before 38 weeks is also an alarming and dangerous situation, in which, most likely, a decision will be made about early delivery.

The greater the time gap between the norm and the actual state of the placenta, the more dangerous the consequences can be.

Why is it dangerous?

Since nature entrusts the placenta with important functions of protection, nutrition, oxygen supply, as well as hormonal support for the pregnant woman’s body, any changes in the structure of the placenta ahead of time can lead to serious complications. When aging occurs on time, it is physiological: the loss of some functions of the placenta, their decrease, is compensated by the organisms of the mother and fetus. This does not harm the child, since normally the decline of the function proceeds quite smoothly.

If early maturation is observed, then the baby does not receive enough oxygen, the placenta copes worse with the removal of its waste products, and it lacks nutrients. In addition, the placenta copes worse with its protective functions. The most common consequence of premature maturation for a child is hypoxia.

Due to oxygen deficiency, the baby’s brain and nervous system suffer. Prolonged hypoxia can lead to the death of a child in utero. Often it is intrauterine hypoxia that causes developmental delays in the fetus and severe disturbances in the activity of the central nervous system.

Children who suffered from hypoxia in the womb are more painful, they may experience various neurological abnormalities, as well as dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, such children learn worse, and disability is possible.

Lack of nutrients leads to delayed intrauterine development of the baby. It is diagnosed during pregnancy. The height, weight, and length of the fetal limbs lag behind the normal values ​​​​characteristic for a specific period of pregnancy. Often, delayed physical development is accompanied by brain disorders and metabolic disorders, which after birth are defined as delays in mental and mental development. Against the background of starvation, various defects of the baby’s internal organs and skeletal system can develop.

The slow removal of fetal waste products by an early ripened placenta creates a threat of intoxication and death of the child. And a decrease in the barrier functions of the “children’s place” can lead to infection of the baby with dangerous viruses that can easily penetrate through the bloodstream to the baby. Intrauterine infection is a condition that is regarded as a threat to the life of the child.

What is the reason?

The placenta matures ahead of schedule for a variety of reasons. Most often, doctors are faced with the phenomenon of premature aging of the placenta in women who continue to smoke while carrying a baby or cannot deny themselves the pleasure of drinking alcoholic beverages. In women who flatter themselves with the hope that “light” cigarettes are harmless and red wine is beneficial, this pathology occurs quite often after the 30th week of pregnancy.

However, the absence of bad habits during and before pregnancy does not guarantee that problems with the placenta will not arise. The ripening of the “children's place” ahead of time can be a consequence of a viral infectious disease, for example, ARVI or influenza in the early stages, as well as sexually transmitted infections.

Pregnant women with Rh-negative blood, provided that they are carrying a baby with a positive Rh factor, may develop an Rh conflict, in which the placenta begins to suffer almost at the stage of formation. Its early maturation is often a consequence of those immune processes that occur during a conflict in the body of the expectant mother.

If a woman had diabetes before pregnancy or acquired gestational diabetes while pregnant, the likelihood that the placenta will quickly age is much higher.

With such ailments, placental hyperplasia (an increase in its thickness) is usually observed, which almost always leads to an early loss of its functions. Early aging of the “baby place” also occurs in women who have had several abortions: the thinned endometrium in this case cannot ensure the normal development of the placenta. In this case, it is thinner initially and ages much faster.

Chronic diseases of the expectant mother, especially if they concern the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, heart and blood vessels, as well as blood clotting disorders increase the likelihood of premature maturation of the “baby place”.

Many medications can negatively affect the rate of placental maturation, which is why expectant mothers are strongly advised not to take any medications unless approved by their doctor. Contact of the expectant mother with toxic substances, varnishes and paints, solvents, bleaches and other chemicals also has a destructive effect on placental tissues and blood vessels. Working in a dangerous and hazardous industry increases the likelihood of negative changes in the rate of placental maturation.

Premature aging of the placenta is more often observed in women who live in large cities with unfavorable environmental conditions than in women who live in a village or small town where there are no large city-forming industrial enterprises. And also the pathology, according to the observations of doctors, is inherited - from mother to daughter.

Preeclampsia (late toxicosis) quite often leads to the aging of the “baby place” ahead of schedule. Dangerous from the point of view of the likelihood of developing a pathological condition are changes in blood pressure in the expectant mother and hypertension. If a pregnant woman has experienced even minor placental abruption at any stage of pregnancy or has a previa baby, the risk of early maturation is several times higher than in women who do not have such problems during pregnancy.

During pregnancy with twins or triplets, the risk of early maturation is higher than with a singleton pregnancy. And women with hormonal problems almost always experience placental abnormalities to one degree or another, including old placenta at inappropriate gestational ages.

Symptoms and signs, diagnosis

There is no way to feel the degree of maturity of the placenta, as well as determine its thickness and other parameters on your own. Accelerated maturation of the “children’s place” occurs completely without symptoms. That is why it is important to regularly visit a doctor, undergo all scheduled examinations, take tests and do an ultrasound. The sooner the anomaly is detected, the more favorable the doctors' prognoses for the upcoming treatment will be.

Signs of premature aging of the placenta in later stages, when the consequences of fetoplacental insufficiency already appear, are mainly felt as a change in the baby’s motor activity. The initial stage of hypoxia is indicated by increased activity: the baby’s movements become abrupt and can cause severe pain to the pregnant woman. So the baby tries to massage the placenta with its arms and legs, trying to get more oxygen.

Prolonged hypoxia manifests itself in the opposite way - the baby almost stops moving. It goes into oxygen and nutrient saving mode, trying to expend as little energy as possible. A complete cessation of movements may be a sign of the baby’s death.

Only a doctor can establish the fact of hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation, intoxication and other unfavorable conditions. This is why it is so important not to miss visits to the antenatal clinic.

If the baby's behavior changes, the woman is prescribed a study of the placenta and the characteristics of the uteroplacental blood flow using DG, ultrasound, and CTG is also performed. Cardiotocography, which can be performed from 28-29 weeks of pregnancy, can give a fairly accurate answer to the question of whether the baby has changes in the condition.

The degree of maturity of the placenta is determined by ultrasound, starting from the 20th week of pregnancy. At earlier stages, neither the thickness of the “child’s place” nor its characteristics of maturity have diagnostic significance.

Treatment

Despite the fact that the consequences can be quite serious, a woman should not panic: premature aging of the placenta is always more favorable than its pathological immaturity. If pathology is detected early, doctors can help the baby and his mother. Treatment is usually carried out in a hospital setting.

The choice of action tactics depends on the timing. If premature maturation of the placenta is detected at 31-35 weeks of pregnancy, then doctors try to do everything possible to preserve and prolong it, because the baby at this stage is not yet ready to be born. The woman is monitored in the hospital, provided with the necessary therapy, and CTG is performed daily to find out whether the baby’s condition and well-being have changed. An ultrasound is performed every few days to monitor the processes occurring in the placental structures.

If the gestation period is more than 36 weeks, then with a high degree of probability doctors will decide on early delivery: induction of labor or a cesarean section. Although, if the degree of deviation from the norm is small, they can put it on hold and try to support the baby inside the mother’s womb with medication for at least two more weeks so that he has time to gain weight.

The standard treatment regimen contains antispasmodic drugs (“Papavern”, “No-spa”) to reduce the contractility of the smooth muscles of the uterus. To improve blood flow in the “mother-placenta-fetus” system, “Curantil” and “Actovegin” are used both in tablets and in the form of intravenous drips. To compensate for the baby's nutritional deficiency, vitamin preparations are used. If fetal hypoxia is suspected, a woman is recommended oxygen cocktails.

If the cause of premature maturation of the “baby spot” is infectious diseases, in parallel with the standard regimen, the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment with antiviral or antibacterial drugs. For late toxicosis, diuretics are prescribed to reduce swelling, and drugs to lower blood pressure if the expectant mother has hypertension.

If systematic observations of the baby indicate the slightest negative changes in his condition, conservation therapy is canceled and emergency delivery is carried out. This is necessary in order to save the child's life.

You should give up smoking, alcohol, and uncontrolled use of medications in advance - antibiotics, anticonvulsants, hormonal drugs, including contraceptives, are especially dangerous.

If a woman is being treated with such drugs or is protected using oral hormonal contraceptives, before conceiving a baby, you should consult a doctor and take the necessary tests to avoid problems in the future.

From the first weeks of pregnancy, it is important to monitor your diet, avoid contact with toxic substances, radioactive radiation, and not work night shifts, since lack of sleep leads to hormonal imbalance. If bloody discharge appears at any time, you should consult a doctor to rule out placental abruption and get the necessary treatment if it occurs.

A woman should breathe fresh air, walk if the weather permits, and sleep with the window open. The more oxygen she gets herself, the more she can give it to her baby through the placental bloodstream. You should also avoid viral infections by carrying out correct and timely prevention of influenza and ARVI, especially during periods of mass morbidity.