How to Prevent Placental Insufficiency

Placental Insufficiency is the medical term used to describe the inability of the placenta to provide adequate nutrients to the developing fetus, or to remove the baby's waste. In many cases, placental insufficiency is preventable through proper diet, exercise and avoidance of harmful toxins. However, in some cases health problems in the mother or a nutritional deficiency is the root cause of placental insufficiency. For this reason, it's best to be in optimal health before conceiving in order to have the healthiest pregnancy and best outcome possible. In about 3% of pregnancies, placental insufficiency causes intra uterine growth restriction, meaning that the baby can't grow well and is smaller than average. Here's how to prevent placental insufficiency in pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Preventing Placental Insufficiency in Pregnancy

1. Take folate supplements before conception and during pregnancy to help avoid health problems and fetal defects. In addition to preventing some infant handicaps, folic acid is required for proper blood function and protects against anemia.

2. Schedule an initial visit with your midwife or doctor after confirming your pregnancy. You'll receive an appointment for a follow-up visit at each check up. Attend all midwife or OB appointments to ensure your health and the baby's size are carefully monitored.

3. Avoid all drugs, tobacco and excessive alcohol use during pregnancy. Smoking and alcohol abuse, as well as drugs, are linked to placental insufficiency. A glass of wine may be fine if your midwife or doctor allows it, but avoid hard alcohol during pregnancy.

4. Stay away from sources of toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite found in raw meat and in cat feces. Don't change the kitty litter if you're pregnant, and make sure your meat is well cooked.

5. Eat well. Maternal nutrition pre-pregnancy and while carrying a baby is of critical importance to a positive outcome for both mother and baby. The pregnant mother must be well nourished with good fats, protein, cholesterol for her developing baby's brain.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your midwife or doctor to measure the growth of your uterus at each appointment. If there is a lag in growth, an ultrasound may be indicated.
• Don't use any medications, prescription or over the counter, during pregnancy without the approval of your doctor.

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Resources

• Placenta Insufficiency on Discovery Health
• Natural Health Information