Placental insufficiency is a pregnancy complication where the placenta cannot deliver  adequate nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and as a result cannot support the developing baby. This condition occurs when the placenta does not develop well or is damaged .

As a result, the baby may :

• not grow well
• show signs of fetal distress
• have problems during labor

What causes placenta insufficiency ?

The following conditions may result in the placenta not working well

• diabetes
• overdue pregnancy
• preeclampsia
• smoking
• taking cocaine or other drugs
• medical conditions that increases a mother’s risk of blood clots

Certain medications such as blood thinners  may also increase your risk for placenta insufficiency.

Problems with the placenta can also result in this condition. They include :

• abnormally shaped placenta
• placenta is not attached properly to the surface of the womb
• placenta is not big enough especially if you are carrying multiples
• placenta breaks away from the surface of the womb ( placenta abruption)  or bleeds prematurely

What are the symptoms

The mother may not show any noticeable symptoms with this condition. However clues can lead to early diagnosis. These include :

• size of uterus smaller than previous pregnancy
• fetus moving less than expected
• vaginal bleeding or preterm labor from placental  abruption

How is it diagnosed

Early and proper prenatal care may help with early diagnosis which can improve the outcome for both mother and baby. Tests  that can diagnose placenta insufficiency include :

• ultrasound to monitor the size of the fetus and measure the size of the placenta
• fetal non stress test
• alpha-fetoprotein levels in the mother’s blood

How is placental insufficiency treated ?

Treatment options depends on the following :

• your due date
• results of tests
• other health conditions present such as high blood pressure and diabetes

If your pregnancy is less than 37 weeks old, the doctor will wait longer if the baby is not under any stress. You will however be monitored to make sure the baby is doing well. You may also need to rest more.

Treating health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes may also help improve your condition.

If your pregnancy is over 37 weeks and the baby is not doing well, your doctor will deliver the baby. Labor will be induced or you may go through a cesarean delivery.

What complications are associated with placenta insufficiency ?

This condition is considered life threatening. The condition is even worse if  you have high blood pressure or diabetes. This can result in the following problems in the  mother.

• preterm labor and delivery
• preeclampsia
• placental abruption

The baby may also encounter the following problems :

• high risk of oxygen deprivation at birth which can lead to health conditions such as cerebral palsy
• premature labor
• learning disabilities
• low blood sugar
• low body temperature
• cesarean delivery
• still birth
• death

NOTE

There is no cure for placenta insufficiency but it can be managed. Getting early and regular prenatal care is very essential to help diagnose this condition. You should also avoid smoking , drinking or taking recreational drugs during pregnancy. These may prevent placental insufficiency as well as other pregnancy complications.