placental insufficiency

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

Blank
Previous | Next
Definition

Placental insufficiency is a complication of pregnancy in which the structures that help bring oxygen and nutrients to an unborn baby develop abnormally. This affects the growth of the unborn baby.

Alternative Names

Placental dysfunction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The placenta is the structure that brings oxygen and nutrients to a fetus,. It also helps gets rid of carbon dioxide and other wastes.

Certain conditions in the mother, such as high blood pressure, can contribute to problems in the placenta. In some cases, the placental membrane can break or leak, allowing fetal blood to mix with the mother's blood. This can be associated with problems such as Rh incompatibility, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Placental insufficiency also occurs if the placenta does not implant correctly onto the surface of the uterus, and can be caused by multiple pregnancies.

Illustrations and Images
Previous | Next
Review date: September 19, 2006
Reviewed by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

MedHelp Health Answers
Submit