What is the definition of the degree of maturity of the placenta by weeks

The placenta provides the intrauterine life of the fetus. As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta increases in thickness, it grows more and more vessels. In a certain period of time, it stops growing, and the aging process begins. In medicine, 3 degrees of maturity of the placenta are determined by weeks, which help to exclude fetal hypoxia or lack of substances necessary for development.

The role of the placenta in the development of a child

• It provides oxygen to the baby's body and removes carbon dioxide in the mother's bloodstream.
• From it, the child draws nutrients and displays the remains of the products of life.
• It plays the role of immune defense.
• Is a filter that prevents the penetration of toxins and antibodies. However, some harmful substances, such as alcohol and nicotine, it is not able to delay.
• The placenta secretes hormones necessary for the healthy course of pregnancy.

The degree of maturity of the placenta by week

Doctors determine this by ultrasound.

• The initial degree (0) is determined by the homogeneous structure of the placenta and is the norm until the thirtieth week of pregnancy.

• The first degree (1). Starting from the 27th and 34th week, the placenta begins to grow, its walls begin to thicken.

• The second degree (2) is optimal from 34 to 39 weeks, this is the most stable period that determines the healthy course of pregnancy.

• The third degree (3) is the norm after the 39th week.

To the genera the placenta ripens, this is accompanied by a decrease in its exchange sites, deposits of salts appear on the surface.

The degree of maturity of the placenta is 32 weeks gestation - the first. The second degree is considered premature. Early maturation of the placenta does not indicate possible complications, but to exclude them, you should check the blood flow in the uterus and placenta.

Premature ripening of the placenta

This process can be accompanied by some phenomena.

• Gestosis.
• Various intrauterine infections.
• Bloody discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Pregnancy is twins.
• Hormonal disorders.

Deviations from the norm and their causes

Deviation from the norm of the degree of maturity of the placenta for weeks can be detected by a doctor with the help of ultrasound, after which a complex treatment with the use of medications to stimulate the functions of the placenta is prescribed. It is recommended to perform doplerometry in 33 weeks. The degree of maturity of the placenta is one of the most important indicators of the health of a future child. Also, the doctor can prescribe CTG in this period and repeat ultrasound examination in a month.

Later, the aging of the placenta is rare and can speak of malformations of the fetus. However, this may affect other factors: smoking during pregnancy, incompatibility of Rh factors, diabetes maternal.

Do not panic!

However, do not forget that a doctor's assessment of the degree of maturation of the placenta for weeks is subjective and may vary depending on the doctor and the ultrasound equipment with which he works. Do not panic with the first ambiguous results, it is best to pass the test with several doctors.