How thick should the placenta be at 23 weeks of pregnancy?

If you are about to become a mother, you must be extremely happy and joyful. The innate maternal instinct of women will be stimulated little by little. During pregnancy, pregnant mothers will be more concerned about the baby's every move. Because of the mother-child connection, they can also feel the baby's subtle changes little by little. So, how thick should the placenta be in the 27th week of pregnancy? What are the consequences if certain standards are not met? Pregnant mothers must be eager to know the answer.

The normal value of placental thickness at 23 weeks of pregnancy is 3.6-3.8 cm, generally not exceeding 5 cm. The placental maturity level at 23 weeks of pregnancy is placenta level 0, which belongs to the middle stage of pregnancy. A low-lying placenta is a type of placenta previa, which can be divided into three types: complete placenta previa, partial placenta previa, and low-lying placenta.

Self-care for low-lying placenta:

When a pregnant mother has a low-lying placenta, she should take appropriate self-care measures, but avoid all strenuous exercise, such as running, jumping, etc., and some actions are absolutely inappropriate. For example, squatting. Pregnant mothers already have a bulging abdomen, which puts a lot of pressure on their lower limbs, so it is not easy for them to squat. If a pregnant mother with a low-lying placenta squats, the cervix will expand and the placenta located lower will be stretched, causing detachment and bleeding. Therefore, pregnant mothers with low-lying placenta should never squat.

(1) Closely monitor the patient’s condition

If heavy bleeding, repeated bleeding, or labor is imminent, termination of pregnancy should be considered depending on the circumstances.

(2) Causes of placenta previa

Usually, if the pregnant mother is of advanced age (over 35 years old), and has uterine malformations, fibroids, scars, etc., the chance of placenta previa will increase. In addition, the chances of this happening are greatly increased for pregnant women who have given birth multiple times or have a history of placenta previa. When a pregnant mother falls into one of the above situations, she should pay more attention.

(3) Possible consequences of low-lying placenta

As the pregnancy progresses, especially in the late stages of pregnancy or after labor, the lower segment of the uterus gradually stretches, the cervical canal disappears, and the cervical opening dilates, but the placenta does not develop with the expansion of the cervical opening. As a result, it detaches from its attachment point, and blood vessels rupture, causing vaginal bleeding. When the amount of bleeding is heavy, the pregnant mother will develop anemia; when the bleeding is severe, she may go into shock and faint, and the baby in her belly may suffer from lack of oxygen, respiratory distress, or even death. Although this bleeding depends on the type of placenta previa, the chance of heavy, recurrent early bleeding is relatively low in low-lying placentas. However, during labor, each uterine contraction will pull the lower segment of the uterus upward, often causing increased bleeding and resulting in serious consequences. At the same time, because the placental detachment surface of placenta previa is close to the external cervical os, bacteria can invade the placental detachment surface from the vagina. Coupled with postpartum anemia and weak physical condition, it is easy to get puerperal infection. Moreover, premature and perinatal mortality rates will also increase.

(4) Keep close observation and follow the instructions of the attending physician.

Pay attention to rest, avoid overwork, and do not use excessive force when changing body positions, including when defecating. Avoid constipation and sexual intercourse. Go to the hospital immediately if you notice bleeding.

I suggest that every mother go to the hospital regularly during pregnancy for a comprehensive check-up of the fetus. This check-up includes checking the thickness of the placenta, etc. Regular check-ups will reassure yourself and your family. If any problems are found, timely treatment and doctor visits are required. Therefore, regular check-ups are still necessary. I wish all mothers have a healthy baby.