First trimester vaginal bleeding is quite common. About 20-25% of pregnant women will bleed or spot in the first trimester. Spotting can occur 6-12 days after pregnancy ensues due to implantation of the zygote (fertilized egg) in the endometrial lining...
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Zika Virus
There have been a number of new viruses that have made their appearance on the world scene over the past decade. Whether these viruses have existed for a long time, and are now being seen because of man’s encroachment on...
Continue ReadingImplications of Oligohydramnios
Oligohydramnios, which has an occurrence rate of about 4%, is a condition where there are low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. There are a variety of reasons why oligohydramnios can happen including chromosomal abnormalities, placental problems, leaking membranes,...
Continue ReadingThe Truth About Hydrops Fetalis
Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition where abnormal amounts of fluid gather in two or more fetal compartments. This leads to ascites (fluid in the abdomen), pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), and skin...
Continue ReadingPlacenta Increta Implications
The placenta usually separates easily from the uterine wall once the infant is delivered. There are exceptions to this, and those exceptions are known as placenta accrete, increta, and percreta. Placenta accreta attaches itself to the myometrium (uterine muscle), but...
Continue ReadingSignificance of Placental Hemangioma
A placental hemangioma or chorioangioma is associated with a high rate of maternal and fetal complications. It is the most common benign tumor of the placenta. The incidence of placental hemangioma is 1% or less. The diagnosis is sometimes made...
Continue ReadingIntrauterine Meconium, What Does It Mean?
Meconium is the first intestinal discharge from newborns. Newborns normally pass meconium in the first 24-48 hours. Sometimes, the infant will pass meconium while still in the uterus. Oftentimes, the passage of intrauterine meconium will be due to medical conditions...
Continue ReadingPlacental Pathology as Cause of Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is caused by a variety of causes. One cause is placental pathology or an inadequately functioning placenta. Preterm labor arising from placental ischemia (part of the placenta has had interruption of the blood supply and that part of...
Continue ReadingFacts on Placental Immaturity
Placental villous immaturity, also known as villous immaturity, is villous development that is inappropriate for gestational age. This condition can be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, and is associated with fetal death close to term. Over 60% of fetal deaths...
Continue ReadingPlacentas In Twins
Fraternal (dizygotic) twins will have two placentas. Sometimes, the placentas will fuse and will appear as one placenta on ultrasound and on visual inspection. Each dizygotic twin will come from a different fertilized sperm and egg. Identical twins (monozygotic), however,...
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