Understanding Placental Lakes: Risks and What to Expect

Question
I went for my 20 week ultra sound and my doctor told me that I have a placental lake that no is not harmful however could cause low birth weight and prematurity. All other sites that I look up on the internet say nothing about what I have been told, so I am confused about this please help me understand this more.

Answer
Dear Jaime,

With placental lakes, it depends upon the size and the involvement with umbilical circulation. On the whole, placental lakes are extremely common and an incidental finding that usually do not cause any complications with either mom or baby. IF the placental lake(s) is/are abnormally large in size (huge) and thus begin to affect umbilical circulation (flow or velocity of flow from mother to baby), then there have been reported cases of SGA babies (small for gestational age) and slightly premature births.

It has only been in recent times that we have determined that placental lakes are a more common occurrence - with the better imaging capabilities and more frequent use of ultrasound. Your doctor was really just covering all bases with you. In one sentence, he summed up that "no, most aren't harmful, but premature birth and/or SGA is a possibility" without going into all this detail.  :-)

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda