Ultrasonographic detection and clinical importance of placental migration
Zanke, S.; Eichhorn, K.H.; Günther, M.
Zentralblatt für Gynakologie 102(22): 1301-1307
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-4197 PMID: 7223147 Document Number: 154898
Pathological insertions were diagnosed in 66 of 4804 ultrasonic placentograms, beginning with the 13th wk of pregnancy . Placental migration, i.e., displacement towards the uterine fundus of the placental caudal edge, was followed up by consecutive checks. Pathological placenta locations were recorded in 4.1% of all cases, up to the 20th wk of pregnancy, and caused high rates of abortion in advanced pregnancy. No recordable clinical risk to pregnancy arose from migration in the majority of cases. The placental migration process usually takes place up to the 30th wk of pregnancy and is completed by the 35th wk. If pathological insertions were diagnosed after the 20th wk, migration occurred at a much lower incidence. Methodological problems relating to ultrasonographic representation are discussed along with clinical consequences.