The placenta is an embryonic organ unique in its properties, which is the most important component in the process of intrauterine development and vital activity of the fetus. The placenta is a temporary organ; it appears at the beginning of pregnancy, and during childbirth it is rejected. The functions of a child's place are diverse and include protecting the fetus from infections, saturating it with nutrients, delivering oxygen and removing toxins. All these functions are vital for the fetus.
Like any other organ of the human body, the placenta is subject to physical development. Most of pregnancy occurs in its continuous growth: the number of vessels increases, the baby's place becomes thicker. The development of this process can only be monitored using ultrasound. At a certain point, the embryonic organ stops growing and the aging process begins for it. It is worth noting that the greater the degree of maturity of a children's seat, the fewer functions it can perform.
Degrees of placenta maturity
There are four degrees of placental maturity. For normal course pregnancy, it is necessary that each stage of development of the child’s place corresponds to its due date.
- 0 degree – the duration of this phase is up to 27-30 weeks. During this period of pregnancy, the development of the placenta can reach the first stage. This may be caused by smoking, drinking alcohol during pregnancy, or as a consequence of a viral illness.
- I degree - in medical circles this stage is called “active growth” and it begins at week 27 and lasts until week 34. At this time, any deviations can pose a danger to the intrauterine development of the fetus, therefore, in order to normalize the development of the embryonic organ, vitamin therapy can be prescribed, taking medicines, which stimulate blood circulation, nutrition correction.
- II degree - this period is called “mature” and its duration is from 34 to 39 weeks of pregnancy. It is the most stable period and minor deviations from the norm should not be a cause for concern;
- III degree – this phase is characterized by natural aging. It begins at 37 weeks and lasts until birth. In most cases, the results of an ultrasound examination will show the third degree of placental development, which in turn is the norm for this period of pregnancy. The slightest deviation at this time can cause... To avoid the most severe consequences the expectant mother will have to undergo complex treatment in a hospital setting. Additionally, cardiotocography is prescribed, and in case of complications, childbirth can be carried out using caesarean section to protect the child's life.
It is diagnosed if some deviations occur during its growth, for example, the second degree occurs before 32 weeks. However, this does not mean at all that deviations from the norm will cause. Timely diagnosis of embryonic organ growth, as well as various methods treatments minimize the risk of other unpleasant complications.
The placenta is a temporary embryonic organ through which the unborn child communicates with the mother’s body. The maternal side of the placenta faces the wall of the uterus, and the umbilical cord extends from the fetal side, with the help of which unborn child receives all the necessary substances from the mother's body through the umbilical cord. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta protects the fetus from infections, supplies it with necessary substances, oxygen, and removes waste products.
The baby's place begins its formation after implantation of the embryo, and by 12-16 weeks the placenta already fully copes with its functions, and after birth the body rejects it along with the fetal membranes. The course of pregnancy depends on the condition of this organ, therefore, to assess the effectiveness of the placental complex, the degree of maturity of the placenta is taken into account.
Degree of placenta maturity by week
Like any organ of the human body, it develops, most of the time it continuously grows, becomes thicker, the number of its vessels systematically increases in order to ensure the vital activity of the growing fetus. At a certain stage, the growth process of the placenta stops and it begins to age. Calcium is deposited in the structures of the organ, the placenta itself becomes denser, which prevents it from fully performing its functions. This is a normal process, but earlier aging of the placenta is a pathology, which can be detected by ultrasound.
Under normal, uncomplicated pregnancy conditions, there are 4 stages of placental maturity, they look like this:
- Stage 0 of placenta maturity . At this stage, the placenta is smooth and homogeneous in structure, and is still capable of developing. Normally, the baby's place remains this way until the 30th week of pregnancy;
- Stage 1 of placenta maturity . In healthy women, the transition from stage zero to stage one is possible from 27 to 34 weeks, but more often occurs from 30 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. The structure of the placenta at this stage has a certain amount of compactions (echoic inclusions), and there are practically no calcium deposits.
- Stage 2 of placenta maturity . On the chorionic part of the placenta adjacent to the fetus, depressions are found; its structure has many small echo-positive inclusions and visible calcium deposits. If, according to the results of an ultrasound, a pregnant woman at 34-39 weeks was diagnosed with the 2nd degree of placental maturity, then this is considered a variant of the norm.
- Stage 3 of placenta maturity . At this stage, the functioning of the organ decreases. By 37 weeks, or between 35 and 39 weeks, the third stage indicates full-term pregnancy and readiness for childbirth. Begins natural aging placenta, the characteristic features of which are the depth of the waves reaching the basal layer. Accumulations of calcium salts merge and form irregularly shaped spots.
The third degree of maturity of a child’s place may develop earlier than expected, in which case there is a high probability premature birth and fetal oxygen deficiency. These conditions cannot be treated and can only be resolved through childbirth. Sometimes therapy, which is aimed at increasing blood flow in the vessels, helps to extend the intrauterine development of the fetus for several weeks.
What is the normal maturity of the placenta?
The degree of maturation of the placenta is determined by its aging. This process can proceed normally, but under the influence of certain factors, accelerated maturation, or aging, of the placenta is possible, which has an extremely negative effect on the course of pregnancy.
With the normal development of pregnancy in a healthy woman, the normal maturity of the placenta corresponds to the gestational age. Zero degree can be observed up to 30 weeks, the first - from 28 to 34, the second - from 34 to 38, and the third from 37 weeks until birth. If a placenta of 0 degree of maturity is capable of providing the fetus with everything necessary for a long time, then a placenta that has reached degree 3 has limited work resources.
The maturity of the placenta is determined using ultrasound examination at different stages of pregnancy. At normal pregnancy If it proceeds without complications, 2-3 such examinations are enough. The doctor observes how the boundaries between the placenta and the uterus, its echographic density, thickness and calcium deposits change. If at the beginning of pregnancy the placenta grows and thickens, then towards the end of pregnancy there is a slight decrease in its parameters.
Is deviation from the norm dangerous and what should be done in such cases?
Aging of the placenta is a natural and irreversible process, but in some cases it develops prematurely, which indicates a serious pathology and requires careful monitoring. Doctors consider the maturation of the placenta to be accelerated if the degree of its maturity at the 32nd week of pregnancy exceeds the second or third before the 36th week.
The reasons for deviations from the norm are the following factors:
- a history of difficult births and abortions, which led to disruption of the structure of the uterine walls;
- chronic diseases of the internal organs of women;
- infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
- severe, or gestosis;
- and her;
As a rule, premature ripening of the placenta develops asymptomatically and does not in any way affect the woman’s well-being. On early stages it leads to miscarriage or fetal malformations; in the middle of pregnancy, the unborn child may experience hypoxia, or oxygen starvation, which leads to damage to the central nervous system.
To establish a diagnosis, in addition to ultrasound examination, Doplerometry and fetal cardiotocography are performed. Treatment measures are prescribed only when the fact of fetal suffering is established. If the child’s developmental delay exceeds 2 weeks, the woman is recommended to be treated in a hospital; in severe cases, a caesarean section is performed.
If the fact of premature ripening of the placenta is established, the expectant mother is sent to the hospital to maintain the pregnancy and carry out therapeutic measures. First of all, the prescription of treatment will depend on the reasons that caused the development of the pathology:
- for infectious diseases, antibacterial therapy is carried out;
- treatment is adjusted chronic diseases;
- vitamins and drugs are prescribed that increase uteroplacental blood flow;
- It is recommended to completely give up bad habits.
Therapy is aimed at maintaining pregnancy until the minimum permissible due date. Unfortunately, there are no methods for rejuvenating the placenta, and drugs such as chimes, actovegin and pentoxifylline do not have a proven therapeutic effect on this organ.
In the matter of a successful pregnancy and solving health problems, expectant mothers should rely only on the doctor’s experience and follow all his instructions, this will help them bear and give birth to a healthy child.
Probably everyone has heard the phrase “children’s place” at least once in their life. This is what the common people call the placenta - an absolutely unique and important organ that exists only in representatives of the fair half of humanity, and then only during pregnancy. What is this organ? How is it unique? Why do obstetricians-gynecologists monitor her condition and, in particular, her degree of maturity?
What is the placenta?
The placenta is an organ in a woman’s body that is formed as a result of pregnancy and for nine months connects the organisms of the mother and fetus. The baby, located in the mother’s tummy, serves as lungs, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. Moreover, the placenta provides the baby with essential nutrients and oxygen. This organ is located in the uterus. It is usually attached to its back wall. But there are cases of attachment to the anterior wall of the uterus. By the end of the 15th week of pregnancy, the placenta is already fully formed. Visually, it looks like a flat round disk.
Main functions of the placenta:
- gas exchange, during which oxygen from the mother’s blood penetrates to the fetus, while carbon dioxide from the baby flows in the opposite direction;
- the fetus receives the nutrients it needs for timely growth and proper development;
- providing immune protection to the unborn child;
- the production of hormones that are simply necessary for the pregnancy to survive and for the fetus to grow and develop.
By the way, it is important to remember (and for those who don’t know, find out) that nicotine, drugs, medications and viruses quite easily penetrate the placenta and can have a negative effect on the fetus.
What are the degrees of maturity of the placenta?
The maturity of the placenta is one of the main indicators of its condition. During the nine months of pregnancy, when a woman is carrying a child, various changes occur to the placenta. In particular, its thickness and structure change. This happens due to the maturation and “wear and tear” of the placenta.
The nature of the changes occurring in the placenta at a certain stage of pregnancy, their correspondence given date, pathological changes - all this is determined using ultrasound. They are determined by studying the echogenic structure and density of the placenta. That is why doctors call this parameter “ultrasound”.
The degree of maturity of the placenta is the structure of this organ at a certain stage of pregnancy development.
In this regard, there are four main degrees of placental maturity:
- Zero. If no problems with the woman’s health occur and the pregnancy proceeds normally, until the 30th week the placenta will be at zero degree of maturity. At this time, the placenta membrane is straight and smooth, and its structure is homogeneous.
- First. At this time, the chorionic membrane of the placenta is slightly wavy, and individual echogenic inclusions appear in its structure. Normally, the first degree lasts until the 34th week.
- Second. Valid until 37 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the placenta is already thinning in some places and begins to become covered with lime (salt) deposits. However, this does not prevent it from performing its functions. Especially if everything goes on time. At this degree of maturity of the placenta, the indentations in the membrane have already increased. But they have not yet reached the basal layer. In addition, multiple linear echogenic zones are visible.
- Third. Normally, the placenta should remain at this degree of maturity from the 37th week of pregnancy until the moment of birth. At this time, the structure of the placenta becomes lobulated, and the depressions reach the basal layer. The echogenic zones in the structure are large and partly fused.
What is premature aging of the placenta?
Immediately before childbirth, physiological aging of the placenta occurs, which is accompanied by a decrease in the exchange surface area of the placenta, as well as the deposition of salts. But if signs of one degree of maturity appear within a time frame in which they should not appear, they speak of premature aging of the placenta. For example, if at 32-33 weeks of pregnancy an ultrasound specialist renders a verdict of “second degree,” then you need to take control of the situation. As a rule, in such situations, the woman is sent for Doppler ultrasound and begins to monitor the uteroplacental blood flow.
With premature aging of the placenta, doctors, in most cases, recommend going to a hospital where you can undergo appropriate treatment. There, measures will be taken to reduce uterine hypertonicity, which will allow the child to more easily obtain nutrients, as well as to improve blood circulation. To avoid intrauterine ( oxygen starvation) expectant mothers are advised to breathe fresh air as much as possible. If premature aging of the placenta is observed, but the blood flow is not impaired, the woman will be prescribed preventive treatment to improve the function of the placenta.
The rapid aging of the placenta, among other things, indicates that during pregnancy the woman has repeatedly suffered from various infectious diseases or has bad habits(smoking, drinking alcohol). You also need to know that if a woman is diagnosed with diseases such as diabetes, intrauterine infection, and also if pregnancy is complicated between maternal body and the fetus, then the degree of maturity of the placenta may exceed the permissible limits.
There is also late maturation of the placenta, although such cases are much less common than premature. Sometimes this indicates congenital malformations of the fetus.
Based on what was written above, we can conclude that the degree of maturity of the placenta is a very important indicator. Therefore, it is very important to visit a doctor and conduct an ultrasound examination on time to avoid problems with the baby’s health. May he develop safely and be born healthy!
Especially for Olga Rizak
- This is a unique organ whose life expectancy is only 40 weeks - the gestation period. We can say that the placenta is a temporary organ that is absolutely necessary exclusively for growth and development in the womb. After childbirth, the placenta is no longer needed, so it is also removed from the uterus. However, like any other organ, the placenta goes through all stages - from birth to death. The death of the placenta is the moment of separation from the walls of the uterus after the birth of the child. But the life stages of the placenta - birth, growth, maturity, aging and death - occur within 40 weeks.
The term “degree of maturity” of the placenta reflects a certain stage of development and physiological changes in this organ. In fact, the degree of maturity is the stage of aging of the placenta. Each degree of maturity corresponds to certain structural features of the placenta and thickness. There are currently four grades maturity of the placenta, designated by Arabic numerals 0, 1, 2 and 3. In this case, the youngest placenta corresponds to the degree of maturity 0, and the oldest - 3.
Aging of the placenta occurs gradually, with each of the four degrees of maturity corresponding to a certain stage of pregnancy. This can be compared to the fact that the body at a certain age shows signs of aging of organs and systems. If such signs appear earlier than the age for which they are characteristic, then they speak of premature aging. The same is true for the placenta, its age is simply calculated by weeks of pregnancy.
Thus, at each stage of gestation, the placenta must be of a certain degree of maturity. Today, clear standards have been defined for the correspondence between the degrees of maturity of the placenta and the timing of pregnancy:
- Before 30 weeks of pregnancy, placental maturity should be 0;
- From the 27th to the 36th week of pregnancy, the degree of placental maturity is 1;
- From the 34th to the 39th week of pregnancy, the degree of placental maturity is 2;
- From the 37th to the 40th week of pregnancy, the degree of maturity of the placenta is 3.
If the degree of maturity of the placenta at any stage of gestation is greater than it should be (for example, at the 26th week of pregnancy there is 1st or 2nd degree of maturity), then doctors talk about premature aging (maturation) of the organ. Such premature aging of the placenta is a sign of fetoplacental insufficiency, which leads to a deficiency of nutrients and oxygen delivered to the fetus and, accordingly, to a delay in its development. In addition, placental insufficiency can cause the threat of premature birth, intrauterine fetal death and other serious complications of pregnancy. Therefore, premature aging of the placenta requires treatment in a pregnancy pathology department.
As the fetus develops in the mother's womb, the structure of the placental tissue also changes. One of the important indicators of the placenta assessed by doctors is its maturity. This article will tell you more about what the second degree of placental maturity means and what week of pregnancy it normally corresponds to.
What does it mean?
Doctors distinguish several degrees of placenta maturity, which correspond to certain stages of pregnancy. Determination of the degree of maturity of placental tissue must be carried out during comprehensive survey expectant mother during different terms pregnancy.
The general classification of degrees of placental maturity includes 4 gradations - from zero to third. It is believed that the older the placenta, the fewer functions it can perform. This is understandable, since by the end of pregnancy the female body gradually begins to prepare for childbirth, after which the placenta is not needed.
Placenta is necessary children's body only during his period intrauterine life. After birth, the baby can exist independently. By the time of birth, he had already formed internal organs and systems, which means that the child can breathe and independently process all the nutrients he needs for nutrition and growth. During pregnancy, placental tissue took an active part in providing these functions.
Each stage of pregnancy must correspond to a certain maturity of the placenta. If this does not happen, then, as a rule, the course of physiological pregnancy is disrupted. A variety of causes and pathologies observed in the body of the expectant mother can lead to early “aging” of placental tissue. In such a situation, doctors carefully monitor the condition of the pregnant woman and her baby, and also plan further management of the pregnancy.
If the second degree of maturity of a woman’s placenta was detected much earlier than the due date, then in the future to the expectant mother a number of recommendations are prescribed. So, she should carefully monitor her general condition and the well-being of the child.
If the placental tissue ceases to fully perform its functions due to excessively early “aging,” then in such a situation the child in the mother’s womb will begin to experience some discomfort. This may cause your baby's heart rate or heart rate to change. physical activity. In such a situation, a mandatory consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist and a possible change in tactics for further pregnancy management are required.
In some cases, if the placenta matures too early to 2-3 degrees of maturity, the expectant mother must be hospitalized in a hospital. A woman can stay there until she gives birth. This usually happens if the course of pregnancy becomes very complicated and there is a threat of premature birth.
Norm
Placental tissue that has reached stage 2 of maturity is also called mature. The characteristic changes that have occurred in the placenta are considered normal for 34-39 weeks of pregnancy.
It is important to note that these data are averages. So, if an expectant mother, who has been carrying a baby for 32-33 weeks of pregnancy, has a 2nd degree of placental maturity, then she should not panic. In this situation, doctors also necessarily evaluate how a particular pregnancy is progressing in general. If the fetus develops well and its mother does not have any adverse symptoms, then such somewhat early maturation of the placenta does not pose any danger.
How to determine?
The degree of maturity of the placenta is determined by performing an ultrasound examination. Modern ultrasound machines make it possible to study placental tissue in pregnant women quite accurately. The indicators obtained as a result of the study are quite informative.
In order for the doctor to determine the 2-3 degree of maturity of the placenta, he must note several clinical signs. So, an ultrasound specialist must evaluate the structure of the placental tissue. In earlier stages of pregnancy, the placenta has a smooth and even surface. None external signs there are no changes on it. As pregnancy progresses, the structure of the placental tissue also changes - it becomes more uneven and even rough.
The placenta, which has a 2nd degree of maturity, has depressions and grooves on the outer surface. Its thickness gradually begins to decrease. The depressions that appear in the placental tissue are quite deep and extend into the placenta almost to the basement membrane. During an ultrasound examination of the placental tissue, the specialist also determines the presence of multiple linear stripes of echogenic zones.
As the placenta matures, special compacted areas begin to appear in it - calcifications. Placenta of the 2nd degree of maturity with calcifications is considered quite normal. The appearance of dense areas in the placental tissue is associated with changes occurring in the placenta in the final trimester of pregnancy.
The appearance of calcifications in the placental tissue at 34-39 weeks of pregnancy is quite normal. Many expectant mothers begin to worry greatly about this when they learn about such an ultrasound “find.” They are worried that the baby’s blood flow may be disrupted, but even in the presence of calcifications at this stage, the placental tissue is able to perform its functions as intended by nature.
During a routine ultrasound examination, during which the doctor determines the main clinical parameters of the placenta, Doppler ultrasound is also performed. It is usually performed during an ultrasound examination by the same specialist. The purpose of Doppler examination is to determine blood flow in the main blood vessels that provide blood supply to the fetus in the uterus.
With Doppler ultrasound, the doctor can assess how well the uteroplacental blood flow is functioning. With premature aging of the placenta, it can worsen, which can also negatively affect the well-being of the fetus. Also, with the help of Doppler examination, doctors can determine the development of fetoplacental insufficiency - a dangerous condition that can lead to disruption of the course of intrauterine development in the fetus. This pathology can also develop when the placenta matures too early to stage 2-3 in the early stages of pregnancy.
Determining the degree of maturity of the placenta is a very important clinical sign.
In order to promptly identify various disorders and pathologically early maturation of the placenta to the 2nd degree of maturity, the expectant mother must undergo the prescribed ultrasound examinations. This must be done according to the prescribed deadlines.
To assess the condition of the placental tissue, it is very important to conduct dynamic monitoring. This means that during the final period of pregnancy, women who have been found to have an excessively early maturation of the placenta may be prescribed several repeat ultrasound examinations. This is necessary so that doctors can promptly identify dangerous complications that may arise from this condition. This will allow doctors to intervene in a timely manner and choose the optimal tactics for further pregnancy management, as well as determine the correct method of obstetric care in a particular case.
In order for the placenta to reach the 2nd degree of maturity only by due date pregnancy, the expectant mother should follow a number of recommendations and conduct healthy image life. Scientists have found that active smoking can lead to excessively early maturation of the placenta. All bad habits of expectant mothers should be eliminated while carrying their babies.
The normal functioning of placental tissue will be facilitated by a balanced diet, adequate sleep, avoidance of stress, and regular walks in the fresh air.
For information about what the placenta is and what functions it performs, see below.
