matured placenta?

[mommy2three]

Hi mamas,

MY OB just told me that my last ultrasound (I'm high risk- long story...) showed a matured placenta. At the time of the ultrasound I was only 34 weeks and he said the placenta was a 40 week placenta. Anyone heard of this or have experience with it? He said we'll do weekly NSTs (which I've already been doing...again, long story) and amniotic fluid checks. I'm very curious about this matured placenta so any info or experiences would be appreciated Thanks mamas!!!!

[sistermama]

Does it maybe just mean that you have a large placenta? I had a really large placenta with Jack, and it just meant that I bleed a little more than I would if I had had a smaller placenta. Never heard of it being "diagnosed" during an ultrasound though...

[mommy2three]

The OB said it's a fully matured placenta but didn't go into too much detail. The only thing he said is because it's matured (40 week- I have no idea how they know that through ultrasound...) is that if it stops giving her nutrients then she may start drinking the amniotic fluid and that's when the fluid would go down. (unless I misunderstood...). I have my regular OB on Thursday so I'll ask him more then too. But if anyone has heard of this, info please Thanks!!!

[JenInMpls]

OK, this is my shot in the dark, but I've been hearing about placental deterioration just for educational reasons, considering I'm past my due date - after 40 weeks a placenta can start to calcify and deteriorate, and it no longer helps to produce amniotic fluid. This can create an environment where it is no longer a good place for the baby to be, and it's in the baby's best interest to help it come out as soon as possible.

I'm assuming that this is what your OB is talking about - that your placenta has reached an age where it might be starting to go beyond being completely healthy. I am scheduled (hope I don't need to go) for an AFI next week, an ultrasound where they will check the state of my placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid. These are to help determine whether the uterus is still a healthy place for baby to be.

jen