What Is a Placenta?
The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy in a woman's uterus. It helps in the growth and development of the fetus by enabling the transfer of nutrients and oxygen.
Where Do the Fetus and Placenta Develop?
The development of the placenta begins during the implantation of the blastocyst. 32 to 64 cells contain the outer trophoblast cells and the inner cell mass. The inner cell forms the fetus and fetal membranes, and the placenta is formed by the trophoblast cell.
What Are the Types of Placenta?
According to the fetal membrane types that include the chorion, mammalian placentas are classified into a choriovitelline placenta and chorioallantoic placenta.
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Choriovitelline Placenta is a placenta formed by the yolk sac and chorion. In a choriovitelline placenta, the yolk sac fuses with the chorion. Subsequently, wrinkles develop, holding the embryo to the uterine wall and the embryo, thus forming the choriovitelline placenta.
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Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM), also known as the chorioallantois, is a highly vascularized membrane found in the eggs of certain amniotes like birds and reptiles. It is the avian homolog of the mammalian placenta. It is formed by fusing the two extraembryonic membranes, the chorion and the allantois. It is the outermost extraembryonic membrane that lines the non-vascular eggshell membrane.
What Is the Circumvallate Placenta?
The circumvallate placenta often causes persistent vaginal bleeding from the beginning of the 1st trimester due to premature rupture of the membranes. It is an extrachorial placenta with a raised placental margin annular shape. In this condition, the chorionic plate is smaller than the basal plate. The misalignment causes hematoma retention in the placental margin, leading to poor transfer of nutrients to the fetus.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of the Circumvallate Placenta?
The circumvallate placenta does not always show symptoms.
Some signs exhibited by the circumvallate placenta include the following:
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Vaginal Bleeding: Circumvallate placenta leads to vaginal bleeding during the first trimester.
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Premature Rupture of Membrane: Here, the amniotic sac breaks before labor. This is seen in the second trimester.
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Inhibited Fetal Growth: Fetus growth is significantly inhibited in the cases of the circumvallate placenta.
How Does the Condition Affect Pregnancy and Birth?
It increases the risk of the following conditions:
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Preterm delivery.
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Placental abortion.
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Increased risk of neonatal death.
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Chronic lung disease.
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Emergency cesarean delivery.
What Are the Treatments Done for Circumvallate Placenta Complications?
Doctors only can help in managing this condition. But, the following are some ways in which you can help prevent the complications that can arise out of the circumvallate placenta:
1. Restricted Growth of fetus: The baby's development will need to be monitored more often. Diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential with this condition. Any form of addiction should be cut.
2. Placental Disruption: IV fluids that help increase blood pressure may need to be given if there is increased blood loss. When there is placental rupture, it causes excessive bleeding, and in such cases, the baby or the mother's life is in danger.
3. Oligohydramnios: Women who have low amniotic acid need treatment that replaces the fluid lost, and the procedure of fluid transfer is called amnioinfusion. This can help in the proper development of the fetus.
How Can We Diagnose This Condition?
It is difficult to diagnose and find the exact cause. Most doctors accidentally notice it during periodic scans, or the mother will have specific symptoms that point to such a condition. If not seen early, it is known only while giving birth.
Is Normal Delivery Possible in Circumvallate Placenta?
Circumvallate placenta outcomes vary from person to person. In most situations, the mother may need to undergo an emergency C-Section. Doctors will only intervene if there is a reason to. Managing the case and trying to help things flow smoothly so that a normal vaginal birth can occur is always the first option.
Can We Prevent Circumvallate Placenta From Occurring?
There is no natural way to prevent circumvallate placenta as the cause is unknown. The only thing that can be done is ensure mothers have good care.
What Is the Prognosis of Circumvallate Placenta?
Circumvallate placenta is a rare condition. Despite the abnormality, many mothers have managed to have their little ones with no real issues. The condition leads to other complications that make normal delivery impossible. Circumvallate placenta risks the lives of both the mother and child, and also the causes are unknown. Therefore, care is very important for a problem-free pregnancy.
Conclusion:
In the circumvallate placenta, the placental membrane folds back around the edges. It can cause complications such as preterm delivery, placental abruption, and the risk of neonatal death. Even an emergency cesarean will be needed. There is no treatment for this condition, and diagnosis is not made until birth in some cases. Therefore utmost care, adequate rest, and proper diet are essential for upholding the health of the mother and fetus.
