Background: The circumvallate placenta is a rare pathology of the human placenta that occurs in 1–2% of
pregnancies. It is characterized by extrachorial placental development, resulting in a ring formation along
the edges of the placenta, which leads to efficiency impairment. As a consequence, it causes an intrauterine
fetal hypotrophy. The fetal hypotrophic pregnancies are classified as high-risk pregnancies, requiring
not only intensive monitoring of fetal development but also maternal and fetal care by the highest reference
clinical center.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to analyze the case of a patient with circumvallate placenta and
fetal hypotrophy suspicion.
Material and methods: The study was based on the case study method. The data was obtained by analyzing
medical documentation collected during hospitalization. The patient was interviewed and observed. All of the
selected parameters were measured and scaled.
Case study: A 30-year-old primiparous woman at 38+1 weeks gestation, with diagnosed circumvallate placenta
and suspected fetal hypotrophy. The pregnancy had several complications, including gestational hypothyroidism.
There was spotting and imminent abortion in the first trimester and in the second and third trimester, the
patient was treated for vaginal mycosis. There was a risk of preterm labor in the third trimester. The patient was
admitted to the delivery room in the first stage of labor. The course of first stage of labor was normal however
the second stage of labor was complicated. Obstructed labor with ace presentation, mentoposterior position.
A lower uterine segment cesarean section (LUSCS) was performed and a live full-term female infant was delivered,
which was found to be small for gestational age (SGA). The course of the early puerperium was uncomplicated
with an expected duration of stay in the neonatology department. Both mother and baby were discharged
from hospital on postpartum day 3.
Conclusions: Circumvallate placenta is not a contraindication to natural delivery however is associated with an
increased risk of many perinatal complications. Holistic care during delivery and the early puerperium requires
specialized knowledge and skills of medical staff in taking care of both of the mother and the child.