Pregnant woman with circumvallate placenta and suspected fetal hypotrophy caused by placental insufficiency: a case report

Abstract

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.