What Does a Placenta Maturity Level of 0 Mean?

Placental maturity grade 0 indicates that the placenta is still immature. Clinically, placental maturity is divided into four grades: grade 0, grade I, grade II, and grade III. Different grades indicate different degrees of placental maturity. However, the fetal development status cannot be fully determined by the placental grade alone. Generally, the fetal development status is comprehensively judged based on fetal movement, fetal heart condition, fetal heart monitoring, amniotic fluid condition, etc.

The placenta gradually matures as the pregnancy progresses. When it matures to a certain extent, its function will decline, similar to aging, and it cannot normally provide nutrition and oxygen to the fetus. The placental maturity grading is a standard used to measure the degree of placental maturity, usually divided into four grades: grade 0, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3.

Generally, natural delivery can proceed smoothly when the placental maturity reaches grade 1 or 2. Grade 1 placental maturity indicates that the placenta is basically mature, and grade 2 indicates that the placenta is already mature. It is normal to deliver at this time. However, if the placental maturity has reached grade 3, it indicates that the placenta is beginning to age, which may pose a risk to the fetus. In this case, the pregnant woman should follow the doctor's instructions and take appropriate measures.

Placental aging refers to the decline in placental function, even calcification, providing less and less energy and oxygen to the baby. The result may lead to fetal hypoxia, malnutrition, developmental delay, fetal distress, and even the risk of asphyxia. Overall, it is a rather dangerous condition.