Discover the Fascinating Functions of the Accessory Placenta
– Accessory Lobe of Placenta is a variation in the normal shape of the placenta
– It is a small lobe of the placenta attached to the main disc through blood vessels
– There can be one or more accessory lobes attached to the main placenta
– A routine abdominal ultrasound scan during pregnancy can help establish the presence of an Accessory Lobe of Placenta
– The condition is not associated with an increased risk of fetal anomalies
– There may be an increased risk of bleeding after delivery
– Accessory Lobe of Placenta occurs in approximately 2 per 1000 pregnancies
– There are no distinct racial, ethnic or geographical predilections
– Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Accessory Lobe of Placenta
– Accessory Lobe of Placenta is formed by non-involution of the chorionic villi
– The disc shape of the placenta is due to remodeling of placental tissue
– There are no specific signs and symptoms associated with Accessory Lobe of Placenta
– It is diagnosed by an ultrasound scan of the abdomen
– Possible complications include increased chances of postpartum hemorrhage, increased incidence of Vasa Previa, and rupture of vessels connecting the main and accessory lobe of placenta causing fetal compromise
– It does not require specific treatment but careful monitoring is needed for increased risk of bleeding after delivery
– Currently, there are no definitive methods to prevent it
– The prognosis is excellent with suitable care and management during delivery
– The incidence of Accessory Lobe of Placenta is higher in pregnancies using in-vitro fertilization
– A succenturiate (accessory) lobe is a smaller placental lobe that is in addition to the largest lobe
– The smaller succenturiate lobe often has areas of infarction or atrophy
– Risk factors for a succenturiate placenta include advanced maternal age, primigravida (first-time pregnancy), proteinuria in the first trimester, and major malformations in the fetus
– The membranes between the lobes of a succenturiate placenta can tear during delivery
– The extra lobe can be retained after the rest of the placenta is delivered, leading to postpartum bleeding
– Succenturiate lobes are generally not a major concern unless they are large and have a weak blood supply
– Vasa previa can occur if the fetal blood vessels connecting the two lobes of the placenta are located between the baby’s presenting part and the cervix or if the cord insertion is located between the two lobes.