1. Placenta Previa

• Description: Occurs when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus and covers part and all of the cervix.
• Types:
  • Complete Placenta Previa: Fully covers the cervix.
  • Partial/Marginal Previa: Partially covers and is close to the cervix.
• Symptoms: Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester.
• Complications: Preterm birth, heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) during pregnancy or delivery, and the need for cesarean section.
• Management: Bed rest, monitoring, and planned cesarean delivery in severe cases.

2. Placental Abruption (Abruptio Placentae)

• Description: The placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall before delivery.
• Symptoms: Sudden vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or uterine tenderness.
• Risks: Fetal distress, preterm birth, stillbirth, or severe maternal bleeding.
• Risk Factors: Trauma, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, smoking, substance abuse, and previous placental abruption.
• Management: Immediate medical intervention; in severe cases, emergency delivery may be required.

3. Placenta Accreta Spectrum

• Description: The placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, making it difficult to detach after delivery.
• Types:
  • Placenta Accreta: Attaches too deeply but does not invade muscle.
  • Placenta Increta: Invades the uterine muscle.
  • Placenta Percreta: Penetrates the uterine wall and sometimes into other organs like the bladder.
• Symptoms: Heavy bleeding during delivery or after birth.
• Risks: Severe hemorrhage, often requiring a hysterectomy to control bleeding.
• Risk Factors: Previous cesarean sections, placenta previa, uterine surgeries.
• Management: Planned cesarean delivery and potential hysterectomy.

4. Vasa Previa

• Description: Fetal blood vessels run across or near the cervix, unprotected by the umbilical cord or placenta.
• Symptoms: Often detected during routine ultrasound; vaginal bleeding and fetal distress during labor.
• Risks: Rupture of the vessels can cause severe fetal blood loss, leading to life-threatening complications for the baby.
• Management: Early diagnosis through ultrasound and scheduled cesarean delivery before labor to prevent vessel rupture.

5. Placental Insufficiency (Uteroplacental Insufficiency)

• Description: The placenta cannot deliver enough oxygen or nutrients to the fetus, affecting growth and development.
• Symptoms: Fetal growth restriction (IUGR), reduced amniotic fluid, and decreased fetal movements.
• Risks: Low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal distress, and stillbirth.
• Risk Factors: Preeclampsia, maternal hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and advanced maternal age.
• Management: Regular monitoring of fetal growth and amniotic fluid; early delivery may be required in severe cases.

6. Chorioamnionitis

• Description: Infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid.
• Symptoms: Fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and rapid heart rate (maternal and fetal).
• Risks: Preterm birth, fetal infection, sepsis, and neonatal complications.
• Risk Factors: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), prolonged labor, multiple vaginal exams.
• Management: Antibiotic treatment and delivery, depending on the severity and stage of pregnancy.

7. Molar Pregnancy (Hydatidiform Mole)

• Description: Abnormal tissue growth in the uterus, often without a viable fetus, as part of gestational trophoblastic disease.
• Types:
  • Complete Mole: No fetal tissue, only abnormal placental growth.
  • Partial Mole: Abnormal growth along with some fetal tissue.
• Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, rapid uterine growth, severe nausea, and high hCG levels.
• Risks: Can develop into persistent gestational trophoblastic disease or choriocarcinoma (cancer).
• Management: Evacuation of the uterus and monitoring of hCG levels for recurrence.

8. Placental Calcification

• Description: Calcium deposits form in the placenta, usually seen in the later stages of the  pregnancy as the placenta ages.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, detected via ultrasound.
• Risks: Premature calcification may lead to the placental insufficiency or fetal growth restriction.
• Management: Monitoring of fetal growth and placental function; early delivery if placental aging affects fetal health.