PHYS30001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Gestational Hypertension, Placenta, Pre-Eclampsia
Document Summary
Placenta previa (1 in 200): as it grows, it covers the cervix so that fetus cannot exit (death without hospital intervention, must have c-section) Placenta accreta (3 per 1000): placenta invades far beyond normal, can even rupture the bladder. During birth, placenta will tear out uterus/other organs - severe blood loss (significant cause of death in western countries, when women refuse medical intervention and have home birth). Milder forms lead to scarring of uterus - reduced fertility because implantation can"t occur in those areas. Complete removal of uterus may be required for severe accreta. Size and function: iugr intrauterine growth restriction - placenta is a main driver of impaired fetal growth. Maternal conditions can affect blood flow, nutrient availability and endocrine function of the placenta = altered fetal development. Placenta can also contribute to development of these conditions. Epitheliochorial: ruminants, whales, lower primates - a number of layers between maternal/fetal blood supply, with a complete capillary network from each.
