Understanding a Grade 3 Placenta at 35 Weeks: Risks & What to Expect

Question
Doctor,
I was diagnosed with a grade 3 placenta at 35 weeks.  Is this normal?  The baby was determined to weigh 6lbs and 2ozs at this time.  My doctor says because of this I can't deliver past my due date.  Should I have other test at this time?  How serious is this?  I am currently 37 weeks and 70% effaced 1cm dilated.

Thanks,

Lee

Answer
A grade III placenta is a mature placenta. It will not have any effect on the fetus. However, normally, after term (40 weeks gestation) the placenta starts to degenerate and that is why we normally induce women after 42 weeks. If you already have a mature placenta by 35 weeks, your doctor is worried that it will start to degernerate earlier, so your doctor wants to deliver you by the time you are term, so as to avoid the possibility of problems as the placenta continues to age. It is not a serious problem, but you should have weekly NSTs (non stress tests) and if there is any indication that there is a problem, you should be delivered. Don't worry. Your doctor knows what to do.