Placental Dysfunction - Placental Insufficiency

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases of placental insufficiency and IUGR cannot be prevented. However, there are several tests that can be done early in pregnancy to help detect problems. These include:

Pregnant women can also do the following to help prevent these conditions:

Before becoming pregnant, women should follow a healthy diet that contains folate. This can help to decrease the rate of certain fetal anomalies.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects of placental insufficiency depend on the underlying cause. During the pregnancy a mother may be restricted to bed and have to take several precautions.

The long-term effects for the a baby born following placenta insufficiency can be serious. After birth, he or she will tend to remain physically small. There is a higher risk for neurological and intellectual impairments. Major disabilities include severe communication\ \education, including reading, writing, and basic math\ \motor function\ \personal care, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting\ \social skills\ \thinking skills, such as decision making, problem solving, and self-direction\ \working\ ',CAPTION,'Mental Retardation');" onmouseout="return nd();">mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and seizures.

What are the risks to others?

With placental insufficiency, there are many risks to the fetus during the pregnancy, at delivery, and after delivery. These risks include: