Understanding Placenta Pathology
After my child's delivery, my physician did not discuss the results of the placenta and umbilical cord tests with me. This has raised some concerns regarding my child, who is experiencing delays and hypotonia. I intend to share these findings with their neurologist for further evaluation. **Placenta Details:** The specimen was received in formalin, labeled correctly with the patient's information, and identified as a placenta measuring 25 cm by 12.5 cm by 3 cm, categorized as a singleton, weighing 332 grams after trimming. The membranes surrounding the placenta are tan and translucent, inserting marginally. There is a rupture point located approximately 7 cm from the nearest edge of the disc. The attached umbilical cord, characterized by its three vascular structures, measures 16.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter, inserting 7 cm away from the disc’s margin. Notably, it contains three coils within a 6 cm section and exhibits a false knot featuring up to seven vascular profiles. A section through the cut surface appears normal, showing a purple-pink and shiny fetal surface, while the maternal side remains intact with well-defined cotyledons. Upon further examination, the cut surface reveals a dark red, spongy texture, and a notable tan, rubbery lesion extending from the maternal surface measuring 1.8 cm at its largest point and located 2.5 cm from the disc margin. **Sample Sections Submitted for Review Include:** 1. A cross-section of the cord taken 2 cm above its insertion point and a full thickness slice of the disc near the cord. 2. A cross-section from the center of another cord segment along with a full thickness slice of the disc, positioned halfway between the cord insertion and the margin. 3. A rolled membrane with the margin of the disc still attached. 4. Thin slivers from the maternal floor. 5. The lesion extending from the maternal side.
Answers (1)

7/5/2025, 2:40:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about your child's development and the implications of placenta pathology findings. Your child's delays and hypotonia can be multifactorial, and having details about the placenta can provide valuable insights. Here's a breakdown of your placenta findings and next steps:
Main Points:
- The placenta and umbilical cord pathology might provide insights into your child's condition.
- The lesion on the maternal side of the placenta is particularly noteworthy and could be relevant.
- Communicating these findings with your child's neurologist is crucial for further evaluation.
Explanation:
The placenta you described has some interesting features, such as the size and characteristics of the umbilical cord and the presence of a lesion. Although not all placenta abnormalities directly cause infant health issues, certain findings (like the lesion) may indicate potential stressors during pregnancy that could contribute to developmental delays. It’s critical that these details are interpreted by your child's healthcare providers, who can relate them to your child's current symptoms and developmental status.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Findings: Write down the key findings from the placenta pathology report, highlighting the lesion and its specific characteristics. This ensures you provide a clear overview to the neurologist.
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Schedule an Appointment with the Neurologist: Share these pathology results with your child's neurologist as soon as possible. This discussion may help direct further assessments or interventions that could support your child's development.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your child's development, including any new symptoms or changes in hypotonia or delays. This information can be important for ongoing evaluations.
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Seek Support: Consider talking with a pediatrician or a specialist in developmental pediatrics about early intervention programs or therapies that might benefit your child.
Remember, you're doing a great job by being proactive in seeking information and advocating for your child's health. If you have more specific questions or need further guidance on any of these points, feel free to ask.
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