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What is Placental Calcification?
The placenta is a temporary organ that forms during pregnancy to support your baby. Placental calcification happens when small, round calcium deposits start to form in the placental tissue and cause it to harden gradually. This is a natural part of the placenta’s ageing process, especially as you get closer to your due date. In fact, over half of placentas show some level of calcification by the time you reach full term (around 37 to 42 weeks).However, if this calcification starts much earlier, say before 36 weeks, it can raise concerns because it might affect how well the placenta functions. Early calcification is less common, and an article published by the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences stated that it occurs in 3.8 to 23.7 per cent of pregnancies.
Causes of Placental Calcification
The exact reason for placental calcification isn’t fully understood. But several factors can increase the chances of it occurring prematurely. These are the main causes that research points to:- Smoking: If you smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of calcium deposits forming in the placenta.
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension: High blood pressure during pregnancy can contribute to early calcification.
- Placental abruption: This is when the placenta detaches from the uterus wall too early, which can trigger calcification.
- Bacterial infections: Certain bacteria in the placenta can lead to calcium buildup and affect its function.
- Medications or supplements: Taking too many calcium supplements or certain medications, like antacids, can sometimes lead to excess calcium deposits in the placenta.
- Prenatal stress: Stress during pregnancy might increase the chances of calcification. Though more research is needed to fully understand this link.
- Other health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, anaemia, or kidney disorders can make calcification more likely.
- Genetic factors: Your family history or genetic makeup may contribute.
- First pregnancy or young age: Individuals who are pregnant for the first time or are younger, especially teenagers, may have a higher risk.
Symptoms of Placental Calcification
Placental calcification often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, which is why it’s usually detected during routine scans. However, there are some signs you might notice that could suggest something unusual:- Reduced baby movements: The most common sign people report is that their baby moves less than usual, especially as they get closer to term. You might notice this more in the morning when you wake up. If your baby’s movements don’t pick up after you move around or try to stimulate them, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor right away.
- No movement by 24 weeks: You should seek medical advice immediately if you haven’t felt any baby movements by the time you’re 24 weeks pregnant.
- Fewer than 10 movements in 1 to 2 hours: If your baby moves less than 10 times in an hour or two in the third trimester, it could indicate a problem and you should get it checked.
- Vaginal bleeding: Any bleeding during pregnancy, especially if it’s unexpected, could be a sign of placental issues.
- Uterine contractions: If you’re having contractions before 37 weeks, this could point to early placental calcification or other complications.
- Pain in the abdomen or lower back: Sharp or persistent pain in these areas might suggest the placenta isn’t functioning properly.
- Slower belly growth: If your bump isn’t growing as expected, it could mean the baby isn’t getting enough nutrients due to calcification.
These symptoms don’t always mean you have a calcified placenta, but they’re important to pay attention to.
Placental calcification is a natural process that happens as pregnancy progresses, but it can be concerning when it occurs too early. Knowing the causes and staying alert for symptoms can help you catch any issues before they worsen. Always keep up with your prenatal appointments, as they’re the best way to monitor your placenta’s health and make sure your baby is growing well.
FAQs on Baby’s Growth Slowing Down? It Could Be the Placenta
- What causes placental calcification to happen early?
Factors like smoking, high blood pressure, medications, certain infections, and other health conditions can increase the risk of early calcification. - Can I feel any symptoms if I have a calcified placenta?
You may not feel anything. But signs like reduced baby movements, bleeding, pain, or slower bump growth could point to placental issues.
