How to Identify Placental Insufficiency

During pregnancy the placenta provides nutrients to the developing baby and removes toxins. In general it is what helps the baby grow and develop normally. When a pregnant woman is well nourished and avoids harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs, she is increasing her chances of having a healthy baby. In rare cases however, the placenta may not develop normally or at some point in the pregnancy stops functioning to help nourish and support the baby. This is called placental insufficiency and can have devastating effects. Up to 7% of all pregnancies will develop IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction), which is a direct result of placental insufficiency.Placental insufficiency can have severe effects on the baby, including poor weight gain, harder time handling labor, increased chance of surgical birth, possible learning disabilities, lower body temperature, and increased chance of aspirating meconium at birth (baby's first bowel movement). Although there are several ways to test for placental insufficiency it is harder to identify the condition. Listed below are a few ways to help identify placental insufficiency, although these signs are only indications and further testing would be required to be sure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Note if the uterus is measuring small for gestational dates. At each prenatal visit the pregnant woman will have her belly measured from the top of the fundus (uterus) to the pubic bone. This measurement helps to keep track of how well the baby is growing. The measurements are in centimeters and the number that is derived usually corresponds with the week of pregnancy. For instance, if a mother is 32 weeks pregnant, her fundal measurement would be approximately 32 centimeters, give or take 1 or 2 centimeters. When the number is considerably less than the weeks of gestation this can be cause for concern, especially if all along the baby was growing well and then suddenly there is less change in growth. Usually the mother's care provider, either a midwife or doctor, would have the mother come in for an ultrasound to take a closer look at the baby and take measurements of the the baby's head, abdomen and limbs to get a better picture of how well the baby is growing.

2. Consider if the mother is feeling less movement of the baby. Again, this is not a positive sign of anything wrong, but could be an indication and may require further tests to rule out any problems. The pregnant woman can do a kick count at home to help monitor the baby's movement. Simply sit down at the same time each day, usually evening works well, and make a note of how many movements are felt within 1 to 2 hours. There should be at least 10 movements felt within that time frame. If you notice less than 10 movements within 2 hours, drink a large glass of ice water or something sugary to help stimulate the baby to alertness. If this does not work, call your midwife or doctor to discuss the situation. They may want to do a non-stress test to make sure the baby is doing okay.

3. Note if the mother is considered at-risk for placental insufficiency. Some women are at higher risk for this condition occurring and IUGR developing in their babies. Those at higher risk include women that have certain conditions such as: the placenta not implanting properly into the uterine wall during pregnancy, umbilical cord defects which can be detected through ultrasound, continuous high blood pressure, diabetes, history of low birth weight babies, preeclampsia symptoms, smoking, and alcohol use, among a few. It is important that women with these risk factors take extra precautionary measures to stay as healthy as possible during pregnancy and get regular prenatal care to closely monitor their baby's growth and development.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think you're baby isn't moving very much or you have any concerns in between your prenatal visits always call your midwife or doctor about your concerns.

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