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

• Placental Dysfunction
• Uteroplacental Vascular Insufficiency

What is Placental Insufficiency? (Definition/Background Information)

• Placental Insufficiency is a medical disorder that occurs during pregnancy wherein the placenta is unable to supply enough oxygen, blood and other required nutrients to the fetus growing in the uterus
• This may occur due to improper development of the placenta or by any damage caused to it. This insufficient supply of essential nutrients to the fetus results in under-development of the baby, complications in labor and cardiac and respiratory problems for the fetus

Who gets Placental Insufficiency? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Women, mostly during their first pregnancy, are at a higher risk for Placental Insufficiency
• No specific racial or ethnic groups are more at risk for the same

What are the Risk Factors for Placental Insufficiency? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors that increase the chances of Placental Insufficiency are when the expectant mother may have any of the following conditions:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hypertension
• Frequent episodes of blood clotting
• Chronic smoking
• Medications prescribed for certain chronic disease may also be responsible for increasing the risk for Placental Insufficiency
• When the shape of the placenta becomes irregular after giving birth to twins or triplets
• Placenta abruptio may also be a risk factor for Placental Insufficiency

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 Placental Insufficiency? (Etiology)

Placental Insufficiency is a medical disorder that occurs during pregnancy wherein the placenta is unable to supply enough oxygen, blood, and other required nutrients to the fetus growing in the uterus.

The causes for development of the same may include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Frequent episodes of blood clotting
• Smoking
• Use of medications for certain chronic conditions
• When the shape of the placenta becomes irregular after giving birth to twins or triplets
• Placenta abruptio - premature detachment of the placenta before the baby is born
• In pregnancy, when the due date has passed, and labor pain is yet to start

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Placental Insufficiency?

In general, there are no significant signs and symptoms noted in Placental Insufficiency.

How is Placental Insufficiency Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Placental Insufficiency may involve the following steps:

• The medical practitioner will measure the growth of the fetus during every prenatal check-up
• If any abnormality is suspected, a pregnancy ultrasound test is recommended to see the position of the baby, placenta, and assess the child’s growth
• Routine abdominal ultrasound scans may be conducted to check for any abnormalities
• The mother is advised to keep a daily record of the movements of the baby

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Placental Insufficiency?

The possible complications of Placental Insufficiency include:

• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): When a baby has less than the average growth in the womb during pregnancy (the baby’s growth is not up to the expected level or rate)
• Pre-eclampsia: It is a condition marked by hypertension and increased level of protein in urine
• Placental abruptio
• Preterm labor and delivery
• Under development of the child
• Respiratory and cardiac problems for the child
• Complications during labor

How is Placental Insufficiency Treated?

The treatment procedure for Placental Insufficiency may depend on the following:

• Test results
• Due date of delivery of the baby
• Addressing or managing any underlying conditions in the mother such as diabetes and high blood pressure

If the pregnancy is less than 37 weeks and the baby is normal, the physician may undertake a wait and watch approach. If the pregnancy is more than 37 weeks and if any stress is noted in the baby, the physician may try to induce labor pain or plan for a C-section.

How can Placental Insufficiency be Prevented?

Prevention strategies for Placental Insufficiency may include:

• Effective prenatal care beginning from the early stages of pregnancy
• Strictly avoiding smoking, drugs, including illegal drugs, such as cocaine, which bring about complications in delivery
• Addressing any health concerns during pregnancy immediately such as diabetes and hypertension

What is the Prognosis of Placental Insufficiency? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Placental insufficiency can lead to underdevelopment of the fetus; the condition may affect the normal growth and development of the child
• An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help in improving the overall prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Placental Insufficiency:

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

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