The placenta is the link between you and your baby. When the
placenta does not work as well as it should, your baby can get
less oxygen and nutrients from you. As a result, your baby may:
- Not grow as well - Show signs of fetal stress (this means the
baby's heart does not work normally) - Have a harder time during
labor Placental dysfunction; Uteroplacental vascular
insufficiency; Oligohydramnios Causes, incidence, and risk
factors The placenta may not work as well due to pregnancy
problems or habits in the mother, such as: Certain medications
can also increase the risk of placenta insufficiency. In some
cases, the placenta: - May have an abnormal shape - May not grow
big enough (more likely if you are carrying twins or other
multiples) - Does not attach correctly to the surface of the
womb - Breaks away from the surface of the womb or bleeds A
woman with placental insufficiency usually does not have any
symptoms. Signs and tests The health care provider will measure
the size of your growing womb (uterus) at