Bilobed Placenta

Bilobed Placenta

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath+1 moreJun 29, 2020

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Multilobed Placenta

What is Bilobed Placenta? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein
  • The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
  • A Bilobed Placenta is a variation in the normal shape of a placenta. It refers to a placenta separated into two equal halves
  • The condition is not associated with an increased risk of fetal anomalies, though there is an increased risk of vaginal bleeding during and after pregnancy
  • A routine abdominal ultrasound scan during pregnancy can help establish the presence of a Bilobed Placenta
  • With proper ante-natal care and appropriate management during delivery, the associated prognosis is excellent

Who gets Bilobed Placenta? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • A Bilobed Placenta occurs in approximately 2-8% of pregnancies
  • There is no distinct racial, ethnic or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Bilobed Placenta? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with a Bilobed Placenta include:

  • Advanced maternal age (greater than 35 years of age)
  • Maternal history of infertility
  • Cigarette smoking during pregnancy
  • Diabetes mellitus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bilobed Placenta? (Etiology)

A Bilobed Placenta results due to implantation of the placenta at one of the following sites in the uterus:

  • Implantation in areas of decreased blood supply
  • Implantation over uterine fibroid
  • Implantation in areas of previous surgery
  • Implantation over the cervical opening

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bilobed Placenta?

  • The most common symptom of a Bilobed Placenta is an increased risk of bleeding during pregnancy
  • The condition is associated with multiple pregnancies, however no increased risk for fetal anomalies is observed

How is Bilobed Placenta Diagnosed?

A Bilobed Placenta is diagnosed by an ultrasound scan of the abdomen of the pregnant woman.

What are the possible Complications of Bilobed Placenta?

Complications due to a Bilobed Placenta could include:

  • Increased chances of postpartum hemorrhage due to retained placental tissue
  • Increased incidence of Vasa Previa: In Vasa Previa, the fetal blood vessels run over the maternal cervix with an increased risk of rupture and bleeding

How is Bilobed Placenta Treated?

  • A Bilobed Placenta does not require any specific treatment. It is a variation in the shape of the placenta
  • There may be an increased risk of bleeding after delivery, which requires careful monitoring

How can Bilobed Placenta be Prevented?

  • Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent a Bilobed Placenta
  • Proper antenatal care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery

What is the Prognosis of Bilobed Placenta? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The presence of a Bilobed Placenta does not result in a higher risk of fetal abnormalities
  • There is an increased risk of bleeding during and after delivery, which requires careful monitoring
  • The prognosis is excellent with suitable care and management during delivery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bilobed Placenta:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Kashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath picture
Reviewed by

Kashif M.Mohiuddin, MD, FRCPath

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board

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