27. Placenta previa, low-lying placenta, vasa previa and placenta accereta spectrum disorders

The placenta is one of the biggest organs during pregnancy and plays a crucial role in the development of a healthy foetus. It is an indispensable part of the pregnancy with valuable functions in the development and protection of the foetus. Many problems can occur that impair placental function. For example, placental abnormalities in location and invasion, such as placenta previa, low-lying placenta, vasa previa and placenta accreta spectrum disorders. A placenta previa and low-placenta are lying in the lower uterine segment and overly the internal os of the cervix, a placenta previa, or are positioned close by the internal os of the cervix, low-lying placenta. In women with vasa previa, the foetal blood vessels that connect the umbilical cord and the placenta are located in the membranes and overly the internal os of the cervix. In placenta accreta spectrum disorders the placenta adheres or invades in an abnormal way to the uterine wall. These abnormalities can result in foetal and maternal complications during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of, recognise and understand these abnormalities.