Grade 2 premature aging of the placenta at 32w?

[Kundalini-Mama]

My sister is 32w pregnant. She has lupus and hypothyroidism. She has not been having an easy pregnancy (or an easy time getting and staying pregnant). Anyway, she is considered high-risk and has had half a trillion u/s. At this point, they are telling her that her placenta is aging (calcification, I guess), and at 32 w, she is at a grade 2. She is a non-smoker, but she has been struggling w/her bp. It is now back at 120/60 after the cream of tartar protocol.

She'll be having another 100 or so u/s before the baby is born, so they will be right on top of this. But I can't find anything online about whether at this stage of the game, if grade 2 is really that bad, or something to keep an eye on.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Amy

[orangebird]

Sorry, I don't know what "grade 2" is. But what is the cream of tartar protocol?

[doctorjen]

I'm not entirely sure what exactly the standards are for grading a placenta (I only due routine ultrasounds myself) but placentas are graded 1-3 based on calcifications. In general, at term, most placentas show some signs of calcifications and would be a higher grade. It wouldn't be uncommon for a term placenta to be graded a 2, but at 32 weeks it is concerning. Earlier in the pregnancy, calcifications can be a sign of early placental insufficiency. It is more common in women with high BP, and also in diseases like lupus. Lupus is a particularly scary thing to be pregnant with, since the disease can cause abnormal blood clotting, including in the cord and placenta. Also, babies whose moms have lupus can be born with congenital heart block, a very serious cardiac condition. It is one of the few illnesses that necessitate very close observation and even early delivery to protect the baby.

[Maprilynne]

My placenta was a grade 2 at 33 weeks and no one is concerned. But I also don't have any other problems. I did some research on it too, and didn't have much luck.
Aprilynne

[crazy_eights]

Fill us in on the 'cream of tartar' protocol.

[amydidit]

I'm interested in the 'cream of tartar' protocol too!

[Kundalini-Mama]

You guys are so funny : I can't find my Susun Weed book anywhere for some reason, and I specifically took it out yesterday so that when my hands were free I could type it up for you. Anyway, I will have to go by a post on MDC, since I can't find my book.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...t=cream+tartar

Post #7

hth
Amy

[Kundalini-Mama]

Originally Posted by doctorjen

Lupus is a particularly scary thing to be pregnant with, since the disease can cause abnormal blood clotting, including in the cord and placenta. Also, babies whose moms have lupus can be born with congenital heart block, a very serious cardiac condition. It is one of the few illnesses that necessitate very close observation and even early delivery to protect the baby.

doctorjen,

How does this congenital heart block get diagnosed? Is this an u/s thing?

Thanks
Amy

P.S. They plan to circ for some reason Actually so that when he is a man he won't feel inadequate--double Are there any medical reasons why they shouldn't circ a baby who was pregnant to a mom w/these conditions?

[amydidit]

Thanks for the link about the cream of tartar... I've started it and at today's appointment my BP was lower than it's been at any others... thanks again!

[Kundalini-Mama]

Originally Posted by amydidit

Thanks for the link about the cream of tartar... I've started it and at today's appointment my BP was lower than it's been at any others... thanks again!

Oh that is so great Although, I do not deserve the credit, that would be Susun Weed But, wow, much congrats!!!

Amy

[amydidit]

True, but if it hadn't been for this thread I wouldn't have learned about it!

[NoraB]

Thanks for this thread! Good info. I have anticardiolipin antibodies and a somewhat high ANA titer. My OB tells me I'm at risk for early aging of the placenta. Last time, she said she did not want me to go beyond 39 weeks. I had lots of NSTs and biophysical profiles.

I don't have any advice for your friend. The continued u/s should help keep them all informed. Hopefully, she'll be able to go to term and birth naturally!

HUGS to her.