Placental insufficiency

Placental insufficiency is insufficient blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy. It may have an impact upon the CNS.

The term is also sometimes used to designate late decelerations of fetal heart rate as measured by electronic monitoring, even if there is no other evidence of reduced blood flow to the placenta.

The normal uterine blood flow rate at term is 600 mL/min.

Sequelae

Placental insufficiency can affect the fetus, causing Fetal distress.

Placental insufficiency may cause oligohydramnios or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Causes

Placental insufficiency can be induced experimentally by bilateral uterine artery ligation of the pregnant rat.

Placental insufficiency can be caused by placental abruption.

References

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