What are some common problems in placental formation?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

During pregnancy, placental formation doesn't always go as smoothly as we all hope. That's because of the delicate circumstances it takes for the placenta to develop and the dangerous journey that the blastocyst makes to the uterine wall. Placental issues that can threaten mom's health and lead to an increased risk of prematurity include:

Placenta previa: This happens when the placenta attaches itself to the lower part of the uterus and covers the opening to the cervix. While it often moves up and away from the cervix as the uterus grows larger during pregnancy, it can cause heavy bleeding at the end of the pregnancy if it doesn't and you might need a Cesarean-section. If you have placenta previa, your prescription will include no sex and no exercise. If it's diagnosed early in the second trimester, there's a good chance the issue will resolve itself.
Placenta abruption: This happens when some of the placenta separates from the uterine wall, which increases the risk of cutting off oxygen from the baby. Bed rest can help if the separation is small, but if it's a major separation, the doc will determine if the child's lungs are mature enough to handle delivery. Some conditions can predispose a woman to abruption and your provider will discuss these with you if you're at risk. These include but are not limited to blunt trauma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cocaine use and smoking.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pregnancy Complications

Complications can fall into the category that is harmful to the baby and/or harmful to the mother. Many women develop gestational diabetes, which only affects the mother. Preeclampsia, which elevates the blood pressure of the mother during pregnancy, can be harmful to both mother and baby. Ectopic pregnancies can put both the mother and baby at risk when the embryo attaches to the fallopian tube, instead of moving to the uterus. Miscarriages or premature births can also happen to pregnant women with certain risk factors. When going through labor, progress can slow, causing distress for the baby and mother. In some cases, a C-section is needed to keep from causing harm to both the baby and mother.

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