How is the Maturity of the Placenta Classified?
Placental maturity is primarily classified into four levels: zero, one, two, and three. During pregnancy checkups, it is essential for pregnant women to understand the maturity level of their placenta during each examination. If the placenta is found to be functionally aged, one should be vigilant about potential fetal hypoxia and growth retardation. Generally, when the placenta reaches a maturity level of two or above, it indicates that the fetus is already mature.
Based on the indentation on the placenta surface, the blood flow within the placenta, and the presence of calcified foci, the placenta is classified into zero, one, two, and three levels. This classification provides a general assessment of placental function, with higher maturity levels indicating more advanced aging and relatively poorer function.
Under normal conditions: In the second trimester (13-28 weeks), the placental maturity is at level 0; In the late trimester (30-32 weeks), the placental maturity is at level I; After 36 weeks, the placental maturity is at level II, indicating a relatively mature placenta. Pregnant women who find that their placenta has reached level III before 37 weeks of pregnancy, combined with a biparietal diameter value and an estimated fetal weight of 2500 grams, should be vigilant about premature placental aging.
Factors such as previous hypertension, chronic nephritis, diabetes, or combined pregnancy-induced hypertension, as well as cardiopulmonary diseases and severe albumin oxygen deficiency in pregnant women, may contribute to low placental maturity. Uterine pathology, uterine malformations, congenital placental dysplasia, and fetal malformations can also lead to reduced placental function. Additionally, dietary habits may also play a role.
