Identify placental complications early
Early detection of placenta previa, placental insufficiency, or vasa previa allows for careful planning – reducing the risk of maternal haemorrhage, fetal hypoxia, and stillbirth.
The placenta is a remarkable organ that nourishes and sustains your baby throughout pregnancy. A placental assessment is a detailed ultrasound evaluation that examines the placenta's location, size, shape, maturity, and vascular function. It is essential for detecting conditions such as placenta previa, placental insufficiency, placental abruption, and vasa previa – which can have serious implications for both mother and baby.
Placental assessment is typically performed during the second‑trimester anomaly scan (18‑22 weeks) and may be repeated in the third trimester if concerns arise. It includes evaluation of placental position (anterior, posterior, fundal, or low‑lying), grade of maturity (Grannum classification), presence of calcifications, and assessment of the umbilical cord insertion site. When combined with Doppler studies of the uterine and umbilical arteries, it provides a comprehensive picture of placental function.
At Amytri, our placental assessments are performed by a consultant radiologist with advanced training in obstetric ultrasound and fetal medicine. We use high‑resolution ultrasound to evaluate the placenta in detail, and our reports help guide your obstetrician's decisions about monitoring, medical therapy, and delivery planning.
The placenta is the sole source of oxygen and nutrients for your baby. Assessing its health is essential for a safe and successful pregnancy.
Early detection of placenta previa, placental insufficiency, or vasa previa allows for careful planning – reducing the risk of maternal haemorrhage, fetal hypoxia, and stillbirth.
Placental assessment helps determine the optimal timing and mode of delivery – for example, a low‑lying placenta may require a cesarean section, while placental insufficiency may necessitate early delivery.
Regular placental assessment – especially in high‑risk pregnancies – allows for proactive management of conditions like pre‑eclampsia and IUGR, improving neonatal outcomes.
We assess the placenta from multiple angles, using standardised protocols to ensure reliable and reproducible findings.
We identify the position of the placenta – anterior (front wall), posterior (back wall), fundal (top), or low‑lying. A low‑lying placenta or placenta previa (covering the cervical os) requires special management.
We evaluate the placenta's size, shape, and thickness. Abnormalities like a bilobed placenta, succenturiate lobe, or circumvallate placenta can affect function and delivery.
We grade the placenta from 0 to III based on calcifications and echogenicity. Premature grading (e.g., Grade III before 36 weeks) may indicate placental aging and insufficiency.
We detect and document calcifications (which appear as bright spots) and placental lakes (which appear as dark spaces). While some calcifications are normal, extensive calcification may indicate reduced function.
We assess where the umbilical cord inserts into the placenta – central (normal), marginal, or velamentous (vessels running through membranes). Abnormal insertion can increase the risk of vasa previa and fetal compromise.
We look for fetal vessels running over the cervical os – a condition called vasa previa. This is a rare but serious complication that requires caesarean delivery before labour begins.
Your obstetrician refers you for a placental assessment – often as part of the routine anomaly scan, or later if there are concerns about bleeding, growth, or hypertension.
We may ask you to have a comfortably full bladder – this helps visualise the lower uterine segment and cervical region for accurate assessment of placental position.
We perform a transabdominal ultrasound, systematically evaluating the placenta's location, morphology, maturity, and cord insertion. We may also assess the cervical os.
We provide a detailed report of placental findings. If the placenta is low‑lying or there are other concerns, we discuss the implications and recommend follow‑up scans as needed.
While placental assessment is part of the routine anatomy scan, it is especially important for women with specific risk factors.
If you've had a previous placenta previa, placental abruption, or other placental issue, a thorough assessment is essential.
Bleeding may indicate placenta previa, abruption, or vasa previa – a placental assessment can help identify the cause.
Women with a prior caesarean are at increased risk of placenta previa and placenta accreta – early assessment is recommended.
Placental assessment in twins or triplets helps determine chorionicity and monitor for placental complications.
These conditions can affect placental function – serial placental assessments help monitor for deterioration.
When growth is lagging, placental assessment helps identify whether placental insufficiency is the cause.
Placental assessment requires a systematic approach and a deep understanding of normal and abnormal placental appearances. Our consultant radiologist has extensive experience in obstetric ultrasound, ensuring accurate evaluation of the placenta and its function.
Placental assessment is an important part of your pregnancy care – having your partner with you provides support and shared understanding.
We encourage partners to attend the ultrasound. We show you the placenta on screen, explain its position and appearance, and answer any questions. If there are any concerns, we discuss them sensitively and provide a clear plan for further monitoring or management.
It is a detailed ultrasound evaluation of the placenta – its location, size, shape, maturity, and vascular function. It helps detect complications like placenta previa, placental insufficiency, and vasa previa.
Yes. It uses standard diagnostic ultrasound, which has no known harmful effects on the mother or baby. It does not involve radiation.
It is typically part of the routine second‑trimester anomaly scan (18‑22 weeks). It may be repeated later if there are concerns such as bleeding, hypertension, or growth restriction.
A low‑lying placenta is one that is near or covering the cervix. It may cause bleeding in the second half of pregnancy and often requires a caesarean delivery. In many cases, the placenta moves up as the uterus grows.
Yes, typically a referral from your obstetrician is required. We will work closely with your care team to coordinate management.
We will discuss the findings with you and your obstetrician. Depending on the condition, we may recommend further scans, Doppler studies, changes in activity, or planning for early delivery.
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