QuestionI have placenta circumvallate and cannot find much information on it. My questions range ...ie., what is the typical delivery term? is it diagnosed by % of detatchment? any information would be appreciated.
AnswerDear Deana,
First - sorry about my delay in answering. I needed to help a friend yesterday and was away from my computer all day.
This is not an overly common condition, which is why you won't find an abundance of information on it. From my research, I can share that circumvallate placenta is associated with which is associated with an increased risk of prematurity, prenatal bleeding, placental abruption, multiparity (multiple births), and early fluid loss. The placenta's characteristic's are a thick ring of membranes on the fetal surface and typically the edges are elevated or curled rather than firmly attached the the uterine surface. This is what poses the increased risk for an abruption and also limits the expansion of blood vessels. This can limit the nutritional supply to the fetus (there is a smaller surface area of placenta attached to the uterine wall).
I found that circumvallate placenta occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies. Also that it is generally concluded that placentae with more than 50% circumvallation are associated with prematurity and under-weight, as well as a placenta with fewer cells than normal. So, simply put, the grade or severity of the circumvallance will have quite a bit to do with the risks.
The encouraging news is that they have already noted the potential diagnosis for you. That means they will be watching for signs and so will you. You and your doctors will be more vigilant in the care and watchfulness of your pregnancy and this can only be a positive for the outcome. More often than not, it is when this goes undiagnosed (which happens often because it is not always easy to catch on ultrasound) and doctors are caught unaware that the poorer outcomes occur.
I hope this information has helped you and answered some of your questions. I wish you well.
Brenda
