The placenta, or baby place, is an important organ that binds the organisms of the mother and child. The formation of the placenta occurs in parallel with the formation of the embryo. This organ has a basal and chorial surface. The basal surface is attached to the wall of the uterus, and the chorial surface is facing the cavity of the fetal bladder.
The placenta consists of lobules, in which there is a large number of blood vessels. Through these vessels, nutrition and oxygen delivery to the fetus are provided. The formation of the placenta ends at the end of the first three months of pregnancy. Starting from the second trimester of pregnancy and up to the 36th week, the placenta develops and grows, providing nutrition and supporting the vital activity of the fetus.
Placenta function
The placenta is an important organ during pregnancy and performs a number of functions necessary for the normal development of the baby in the womb. The placenta is a carrier of nutrition and oxygen for the fetus. It also removes the products of its vital activity from the body of the child, it is a factory for the production of hormones that are necessary for the growth and development of the fetus, and protects the baby's immune system by transmitting maternal antibodies to the baby’s blood. These protective cells will provide the baby with reliable protection against infections for several months after birth.
Placental maturity
Since the placenta is one of the important components for the normal development of the baby during pregnancy, the obstetrician-gynecologist throughout the entire period of gestation assesses the condition of this organ in order to avoid possible complications. Therefore, in medical practice, there is such a term as the norm of the placenta. The norm of the placenta includes an assessment of the degree of maturity of the placenta, the place of its attachment and thickness.
The degree of maturity of the placenta varies depending on the duration of pregnancy.
Zero (0) placental maturity is normally found at up to 30 weeks of gestation. The placenta has a homogeneous structure, its membrane is smooth and straight.
The first (I) degree of maturity is detected at 27-36 weeks of pregnancy and is characterized by a slight undulation of the chorionic membrane and the presence of echogenic inclusions in its structure.
The second (II) degree of maturity is observed at a period of 34 to 39 weeks. At the same time, membrane depressions increase, although they still do not reach the basal layer. Multiple echogenic inclusions are noticeable.
The third (III) degree of maturity of the placenta is detected after 36 weeks. During this period, the placenta acquires a lobed structure, in which large echogenic zones are noticeable.
Pathology of placental maturity
If the placenta matures before the due date, then in this case we are talking about premature aging of the placenta. Premature maturity occurs if the II degree of placental maturity is determined up to 32 weeks and the third degree - up to 36 weeks. With this diagnosis, a pregnant woman is prescribed dopplerography - an examination that allows you to assess the condition in the body of uteroplacental circulation. This examination allows you to identify blood flow disorders that can cause hypoxia and fetal growth retardation. Therefore, when identifying such disorders, the doctor prescribes therapy, which is aimed at restoring the uteroplacental circulation, in order to provide the baby with enough nutrition and oxygen.
Sometimes late maturation of the placenta occurs. This pathology can lead to a delay in the development of the fetus, since the placenta can not cope with the functions assigned to it.
Thus, the maturity of the placenta is one of the important indicators of the normal development and nutrition of the fetus. Therefore, for any deviations, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's prescription. After all, the health and well-being of your baby depends on this!