How to manage placental insufficiency

In general, placental insufficiency may be caused by factors such as prolonged gestation, maternal malnutrition, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause and proceed with appropriate management under a physician's guidance, such as general supportive care, pharmacological treatment, or labor intervention. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Prolonged gestation: In late pregnancy, the placenta gradually ages and its function naturally declines as gestational age increases. Close monitoring of fetal heart rate and fetal movement is necessary, with 1–2 fetal heart rate monitoring sessions per week and regular documentation of fetal movements. If pregnancy exceeds 41 weeks without spontaneous labor, labor induction may be recommended after physician evaluation to prevent fetal hypoxia.

2. Maternal malnutrition: Long-term deficiency of nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamins in the mother can affect placental blood supply and material exchange, leading to placental dysfunction. Adjust the diet to include more high-quality protein, iron, and vitamins to improve placental nutrition.

3. Gestational hypertension: Elevated blood pressure causes placental vascular spasms and reduced blood flow, leading to placental dysfunction. Strict blood pressure control is essential. Antihypertensive medications such as labetalol tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, and methyldopa tablets may be prescribed to maintain stable blood pressure.

4. Gestational diabetes: High blood glucose levels damage placental blood vessels and impair placental material exchange. Blood glucose control can be achieved through dietary management and moderate physical activity. If blood glucose is poorly controlled, insulin injections may be prescribed under medical supervision to prevent ongoing placental damage. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and fetal growth and development is also necessary.

5. Fetal growth restriction: Abnormal fetal development and placental dysfunction may influence each other, leading to slow fetal growth. Under medical guidance, low-molecular-weight heparin sodium injection may be used to improve placental blood flow, while amino acid injections and glucose injections may be administered to provide nutritional support to the fetus.

In daily life, ensure the pregnant woman gets adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue. Maintain emotional stability and avoid anxiety and stress. Strictly follow medical advice for regular prenatal checkups to promptly detect changes in placental function.