Placental Insufficiency
Alternate Names : Placental Dysfunction
What are the treatments for the condition?
To treat this condition, the healthcare provider may recommend that the pregnant woman:
stop smoking
stop taking illicit drugs, such as cocaine
stop drinking alcohol
eat a healthy diet that includes more than 2500 calories per day
rest in bed during the day, lying on the left side as much as possible
take low-dose aspirin to prevent tiny blood clots from forming in the placenta, as well as to dilate, or open, the blood vessels
pay attention to the movement of the baby, any contractions, or rupture of the membranes ("breaking water") earlier than expected
deliver in a hospital setting
have the baby monitored electronically during labor
use as little anesthesia as possible and no narcotics during labor
have a cesarean section or forceps delivery if fetal distress is detected
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The side effects of surgery include bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to the anesthesia . Medications have various side effects, including stomach upset, rash, and allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Placental insufficiency is not considered life-threatening to the mother. However, she may be at risk for significant illness or even death if she has an underlying condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Placental insufficiency may cause serious conditions in the newborn, such as pneumonia, cerebral palsy, or other respiratory problems. A newborn who is born prematurely or with serious medical conditions may need an incubator, a special enclosed bed that can control temperature and oxygen levels.
If a child is born with cerebral palsy, there may be disabilities that require therapy, use of appliances such as crutches or canes, and a daily struggle with medical problems. As the child gets older, there may be a need for special education programs for learning disabilities caused by oxygen and nutritional deprivation while in the uterus.
How is the condition monitored?
If testing later in pregnancy shows that the baby's lungs are mature, then labor should be induced and the baby delivered. The following tests should be done when the fetus is very premature or the lungs haven't matured fully:
nonstress testing performed weekly or biweekly, to monitor uterine contractions
biophysical profile done weekly or biweekly
Doppler umbilical artery waveforms, a special test for fetal health
pregnancy ultrasound scans every 10 to 14 days
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