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02-01-2025 Team Medicover general

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Madhushree Mane

Circumvallate Placenta

Circumvallate placenta is a rare condition related to how the placenta forms during pregnancy. While most placentas attach normally to the uterus, in this condition, the placenta has a different shape or border that can lead to certain pregnancy-related complications.

In this article, we will understand this condition to ensure better monitoring and management throughout the pregnancy.

What is Circumvallate Placenta?

Circumvallate placenta occurs when the fetal side of the placenta is smaller than normal and surrounded by a thick ring of tissue. This happens due to the edges of the placenta folding back on themselves. As a result, the placenta appears abnormally shaped and the attachment might not be as efficient in supporting the baby’s needs.

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What Effects Does Circumvallate Placenta Have on Pregnancy?

While many pregnancies with this condition progress normally, it can increase the risk of complications, such as:

Vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester.
Preterm labour or early delivery.
Slowed fetal growth
Placental abruption.
Miscarriage is rare in cases.

Is Vaginal Delivery Possible if You Have Circumvallate Placenta?

Vaginal delivery is possible for some women with circumvallate placenta. But, the mode of delivery depends on several factors like:

Baby’s growth and position.
Presence of bleeding.
Health of the mother and baby.
Overall progress of labour.

If there are signs of complications or fetal distress, a C-section may be advised for the safety of both mother and baby.

What is the difference between circumvallate placenta & normal placenta?

A circumvallate placenta differs from a normal placenta in both structure and potential health impact. Here's a simple comparison:

Structural Differences

Normal Placenta: Has smooth and flat edges where the fetal membranes attach at the edge of the placenta.
Circumvallate Placenta: The fetal membranes insert inward from the edge, creating a raised and thickened ring around the placenta.

Functional & Health Differences

Normal Placenta: Ensures effective blood flow and nutrient exchange between mother and baby.
Circumvallate Placenta: May result in reduced blood flow or nutrient delivery, increasing the risk of:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
- Preterm birth.
- Placental abruption.
- Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.

What are the Causes of Circumvallate Placenta?

The exact cause of circumvallate placenta is not clearly understood. It is believed to occur due to abnormal development or folding of the placenta early in pregnancy.

Placental membrane abnormalities during early formation.
Inflammation or infection in the uterus.
Genetic or structural variations in the uterus.
Poor attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall.

It's important to note that this condition is not caused by anything the mother did or didn’t do during pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of Circumvallate Placenta?

A circumvallate placenta may not always show symptoms, but some women may experience:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
back pain
Uterine tenderness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Pregnancy Complications with Circumvallate Placenta

Women with circumvallate placenta may face some pregnancy complications such as:

Increased risk of preterm birth
Placental abruption
Reduced fetal growth

How to Diagnose Circumvallate Placenta?

Diagnosing circumvallate placenta typically involves:

Ultrasound: This imaging test can help identify the placental abnormalities.
MRI: In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging may be recommended for a more detailed view.

Your doctor will use these diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of circumvallate placenta and assess any associated risks.

How to Manage Circumvallate Placenta?

Management focuses on monitoring and reducing the risk of complications. You can follow these steps to manage this condition:

Regular prenatal checkups: Frequent ultrasounds and fetal growth scans to monitor the baby’s development.
Monitoring for bleeding: Any spotting or bleeding should be evaluated immediately.
Tracking fetal movements: Reduced movement may indicate distress and should be reported to your doctor.
Early hospitalisation if needed: In case of heavy bleeding or signs of preterm labour, early medical care may be required.
Planned delivery: Your doctor may recommend early delivery if the baby's growth is restricted or if other risks arise.

Circumvallate Placenta Survival Rate

Most babies born to mothers with circumvallate placenta survive and live a healthy life. However, the condition slightly increases the risk of:

Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Complications during delivery

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Conclusion

Circumvallate placenta is a rare but significant placental abnormality that can affect the course of pregnancy. While many women with this condition have healthy babies, it does increase the risk of complications like bleeding, preterm birth and growth issues.

Early diagnosis through ultrasound and consistent prenatal care are key to managing these risks. If you're diagnosed with a circumvallate placenta, consult a doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth or placental abruption, but many cases result in a healthy pregnancy with proper monitoring.

A circumvallate placenta has a curled edge that may affect nutrient flow, while an amniotic sheet is a thin membrane fold with no major risk to the baby.

Yes, most babies survive, but close medical supervision is needed to manage risks like restricted growth or preterm labour.

Bed rest is sometimes recommended to reduce stress on the placenta, but treatment depends on individual risk factors.

No, it does not go away, but doctors monitor it closely to manage any potential complications.