What Is the Placenta?
The placenta is a vital organ that ensures the healthy development of the fetus in the womb. It facilitates the transfer of nutrients, fluids, minerals, oxygen, and other essential substances to the fetus, while also removing waste products produced by the baby.
In a healthy pregnancy, the normal development and proper function of the placenta are crucial. Any disturbances in the blood circulation between the mother, the fetus, and the placenta can reduce placental permeability, preventing adequate response to increasing metabolic demands. This may lead to serious problems in fetal oxygenation and nutrition.
As pregnancy progresses, blood flow to the uterine bed must increase regularly to meet the growing needs of the baby.
Placental Insufficiency
In cases of advanced placental insufficiency, numerous structural changes occur in the placenta, which can often be clearly identified during pathological examination.
A specialized field known as “perinatal pathology” has developed worldwide to investigate diseases affecting maternal and fetal health before birth through placental tissue analysis.
Through such studies, the underlying causes of conditions such as recurrent pregnancy loss, intrauterine fetal demise, umbilical cord abnormalities, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction can be identified. This enables the implementation of preventive strategies in future pregnancies.
Our Clinical Approach
At our clinic, we conduct detailed evaluations — in collaboration with partner institutions in the United States — particularly for the following patient groups:
- Women with recurrent miscarriages
- Those with a history of preterm delivery or premature rupture of membranes
- Women who have experienced intrauterine fetal loss
Through these evaluations, we identify key risk factors such as:
- Intrauterine infections
- Immune system disorders
- Coagulation (clotting) abnormalities
- Vascular abnormalities in the uterine lining and placenta
- Impaired uteroplacental blood flow
Follow-Up and Treatment Process
Depending on the abnormalities detected, our patients are often placed under medical supervision even before conception, and treatment protocols are meticulously planned. In some cases, medications are initiated prior to pregnancy, while in others, pharmacological support is provided after conception.
The findings obtained from these assessments may lead to a complete change in the follow-up protocol for subsequent pregnancies. This allows us to design an individualized monitoring and treatment program, distinct from standard pregnancy follow-up methods.
The Importance of Placental Examination
For women with recurrent miscarriages, preterm births, or intrauterine fetal loss, preserving the placenta and membranes for pathological examination is of great importance.
Often regarded as medical waste after delivery, these tissues can, upon detailed examination, reveal significant underlying causes such as:
- Intrauterine infections
- Immune system abnormalities
- Coagulation disorders
- Impaired placental blood flow
Through these analyses, many women who have previously experienced pregnancy complications can achieve healthier pregnancies and increase their chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.
