The placenta is a special organ that develops during pregnancy. It is where the baby grows, and the placenta is delivered soon after the baby’s delivery. The health and functioning of this placenta are crucial for the pregnancy’s outcome. Any issue in this placenta can not only affect the pregnancy outcome but can also affect the baby. A circumvallate placenta is one such issue.
A circumvallate placenta causes the membranes of the placenta to fold back around the edges. It is an abnormality in the placenta that can negatively impact the pregnancy outcome.
Circumvallate placenta increases the risk of placental abruption, preterm delivery, emergency caesarean delivery, and, in some cases, even neonatal death.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent or treat a circumvallate placenta. In most cases, doctors will discover this abnormality only after the delivery. If they diagnose this abnormality during the pregnancy itself, they can plan ahead and take preventive steps to reduce complications.
The placenta is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. When the amnion and chorion membranes in the placenta start folding backwards, the fetus does not get everything it needs for healthy development. Some possible circumvallate placenta risks are:
● Preterm Delivery – When the baby is born before the completion of 37 weeks.
● Placental Abruption – The placenta will detach from the uterine wall before delivery. This becomes very risky for the baby.
● Neonatal Death – The risk of neonatal death is high. Neonatal death occurs when the baby is born alive but dies within the next 28 days.
● Need for NICU – The baby can be very ill or prematurely born, thus requiring neonatal intensive care.
● Chronic Lung Disease – The baby’s lungs may not develop properly, leading to breathing issues and other related health issues.
● Emergency C-section – If the baby is in danger and needs to be delivered immediately, an emergency caesarean delivery may be required.
A circumvallate placenta only increases the risk for the above-mentioned scenarios. It does not necessarily impact the baby in these ways. Many women go on to have healthy babies with no issues.
The exact cause of circumvallate placenta is unknown. The doctors can’t predict a circumvallate placenta. In most cases, it is not visible even in the regular pregnancy ultrasounds, and doctors diagnose it only after the delivery. In the case of early identification or diagnosis, the doctor may recommend some ways to reduce the risks involved.
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There is no cure or treatment to correct a circumvallate placenta. However, the doctor may follow some precautionary measures to ensure the baby is developing as per expectations and to reduce the circumvallate placenta complications in delivery. These measures can also improve the circumvallate placenta outcomes.
● Monitoring Placenta
Frequent monitoring through ultrasounds helps doctors to thoroughly check the placenta for any indications of abruption. In case of placental abruption, the doctor will recommend bed rest if the baby is still too young. If the abruption happens closer to the delivery date, they can suggest an early delivery or an emergency C-section delivery.
● Monitoring Fetus
The doctor will closely monitor the developing baby as well. One of the biggest risks for the baby is being underweight or not developing at the right pace. Close monitoring will help them check on the development and weight gain. If the baby is not growing properly, the doctor will advise delivering the baby early. A vaginal delivery is possible but a C-section may be a better option if the baby is too weak to tolerate labour.
Circumvallate placenta can disrupt the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. This, in turn, can slow down fetal development. When the regular ultrasounds and checkups indicate underdevelopment in the fetus, the doctors can run a few extra tests to understand the possible reasons.
Circumvallate placenta also increases the risk of placental abruption and preterm delivery, both of which can be very dangerous if not handled quickly and efficiently. Close monitoring, following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following the doctor’s instructions can reduce complications caused by circumvallate placenta.
Loss of pregnancy or an underdeveloped baby is not always the outcome for a circumvallate pregnancy. Effective management of the abnormality can cause significant improvements and reduce potential risks.
No, circumvallate placenta is not preventable. However, maintaining good health and following all other precautions for a healthy and safe pregnancy may help reduce the impact of a circumvallate placenta on the pregnancy and the baby.
Conclusion
A circumvallate placenta is a very rare placental abnormality. In many cases, it is not even discovered until after the delivery. If the doctor identifies this abnormality early in the pregnancy, close monitoring and regular check-ups can ensure the pregnancy is progressing well and also enable the doctor to take action when necessary.
