Placenta Health During Pregnancy: How to Know Your Placenta Is Healthy

Placenta health during pregnancy is essential because the placenta supplies your baby with oxygen, nutrients, and support for healthy growth.

The placenta is often called your baby’s lifeline, and for good reason.

Throughout pregnancy, this remarkable organ delivers oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby while removing waste products.

It also produces essential hormones that help maintain pregnancy and support fetal development.

As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, healthcare providers pay close attention to placental health,

because the placenta plays a critical role in determining how well a baby continues to grow and thrive.

Many expectant parents become concerned when they hear terms such as:

“Placental insufficiency.”

“Aging placenta.”

“Placental calcification.”

“Reduced placental function.”

These terms can sound frightening, but understanding how placental health is monitored can help reduce anxiety and empower you to participate actively in your prenatal care.

As a women’s health physiotherapist, I frequently reassure expectant mothers that placental monitoring is not performed because something is necessarily wrong.

In many situations, additional surveillance simply helps ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Why Is Placental Health Important?

The placenta performs numerous essential functions throughout pregnancy.

It:

• Transfers oxygen from mother to baby.
• Delivers nutrients to support fetal growth.
• Removes fetal waste products.
• Produces hormones that sustain pregnancy.
• Protects the fetus from certain infections and harmful substances.

When placental function becomes impaired, the baby may not receive enough oxygen or nutrients.

Reduced placental function can increase the risk of:

• Fetal growth restriction.
• Reduced fetal movements.
• Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid).
• Preterm birth.
• Stillbirth.

According to (Otto et al. 2024), placental dysfunction is one of the major reasons for increased antenatal fetal surveillance in high-risk pregnancies

What Happens to the Placenta in Late Pregnancy?

As pregnancy advances, the placenta naturally undergoes structural changes.

Some degree of placental aging is normal.

These changes may include:

• Increased calcification.
• Changes in blood flow.
• Gradual reduction in reserve capacity.

Most placentas continue functioning normally until birth.

However, in some pregnancies, placental function may decline earlier than expected.

Conditions associated with impaired placental function include:

• Hypertension.
• Preeclampsia.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• Autoimmune disease.
• Maternal obesity.
• Post-term pregnancy.

Research has shown that abnormal placental function contributes significantly to fetal growth restriction and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Jaimie et al. 2025)

Maternal Awareness of Fetal Movements

One of the simplest yet most important indicators of placenta health is fetal movement during pregnancy.

A healthy placenta supports normal oxygen delivery, allowing the baby to maintain usual movement patterns.

Reduced fetal movements may occasionally indicate reduced placental function.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to become familiar with their baby’s normal activity pattern.

Movements may include:

• Kicks.
• Rolls.
• Twists.
• Stretches.
• Hiccups.

Research suggests that maternal perception of reduced fetal movements is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (Carroll et al. 2023)

Any significant reduction or sudden change in fetal movements should always be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

Ultrasound Assessment of Placental Health

Ultrasound examinations are central to placenta health monitoring during late pregnancy.

During ultrasound scans, healthcare providers assess:

• Fetal growth.
• Placental appearance.
• Placental location.
• Amniotic fluid volume.
• Fetal movements.

Additional ultrasound examinations may be recommended if concerns arise regarding placental function.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ultrasound remains one of the most important tools for monitoring fetal growth and well-being during pregnancy.

Monitoring Fetal Growth

A well-functioning placenta supports appropriate fetal growth.

Serial growth ultrasounds help determine whether the baby is growing as expected.

Measurements typically include:

• Head circumference.
• Abdominal circumference.
• Femur length.
• Estimated fetal weight.

Babies affected by placental insufficiency may develop fetal growth restriction (FGR).

FGR occurs when a baby does not achieve its expected growth potential.

Growth restriction is one of the most important indicators of placental dysfunction.

Doppler Ultrasound Studies

Doppler ultrasound is a specialised technique that evaluates blood flow within maternal and fetal blood vessels.

Doppler studies provide valuable information regarding placental function.

Common Doppler assessments include:

Umbilical Artery Doppler

Assesses blood flow between the placenta and fetus.

Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings may suggest placental insufficiency.

Middle Cerebral Artery Doppler

Evaluates blood flow to the fetal brain.

Changes may indicate fetal adaptation to reduced oxygen supply.

Uterine Artery Doppler

Assesses maternal blood flow to the placenta.

Abnormal uterine artery blood flow may increase the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

A Cochrane review demonstrated that Doppler ultrasound improves outcomes in high-risk pregnancies by helping identify placental insufficiency earlier (Alfirevic Z et al., 2017).

Amniotic Fluid Assessment

Placental function influences amniotic fluid production.

Reduced placental blood flow may decrease fetal urine production, leading to lower amniotic fluid levels.

Healthcare providers therefore routinely assess:

• Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), or
• Single Deepest Pocket (SDP).

Low amniotic fluid levels may indicate placental insufficiency, particularly when associated with fetal growth restriction.

However, fluid measurements are always interpreted alongside other fetal surveillance findings.

A Physiotherapist’s Perspective: Looking Beyond the Scan

As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often remind expectant mothers that no single test determines placenta health during pregnancy.

Healthcare providers evaluate multiple factors together, including:

• Fetal movements.
• Growth patterns.
• Doppler findings.
• Maternal symptoms.
• Blood pressure.
• Ultrasound results.

Most women undergoing additional placental surveillance ultimately deliver healthy babies.

Regular antenatal appointments remain one of the most effective ways to support both maternal and fetal well-being.

Non-Stress Tests (NSTs)

When healthcare providers want to assess how well the placenta is supporting the baby, they may recommend a Non-Stress Test (NST).

An NST monitors:

• Fetal heart rate.
• Heart rate accelerations.
• Fetal movements.

A healthy placenta supplies adequate oxygen to the baby. When oxygen delivery is sufficient, the baby’s heart rate typically increases during movement.

A reactive NST is generally reassuring and suggests that the baby is receiving adequate oxygen. (Cleveland Clinic)

NSTs are commonly recommended for women with:

• Hypertension.
• Preeclampsia.
• Diabetes.
• Fetal growth restriction.
• Reduced fetal movements.
• Post-term pregnancy.

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

A Biophysical Profile (BPP) provides a more comprehensive assessment of fetal well-being.

The BPP combines:

• Ultrasound examination.
• Non-Stress Test (NST).

The assessment evaluates:

1. Fetal breathing movements.
2. Gross body movements.
3. Fetal muscle tone.
4. Amniotic fluid volume.
5. Fetal heart rate reactivity.

A reassuring BPP score suggests that placental function remains adequate.

Placental Calcification: Should You Be Worried?

Many women become anxious after reading ultrasound reports mentioning placental calcification or placental grading.

In most cases, some degree of placental calcification during late pregnancy is completely normal.

Calcification simply refers to calcium deposits developing within the placenta as pregnancy progresses.

However, extensive calcification occurring earlier in pregnancy may occasionally be associated with:

• Smoking.
• Hypertension.
• Preeclampsia.
• Fetal growth restriction.

Importantly, placental grading alone rarely determines pregnancy management.

Healthcare providers consider:

• Fetal growth.
• Doppler findings.
• Fetal movements.
• Maternal health.
• Other surveillance results.

As a physiotherapist, I often reassure expectant mothers that the term “aging placenta” does not automatically mean the placenta has stopped functioning.

Signs That May Suggest Placental Insufficiency

Placental insufficiency may develop gradually and sometimes causes no obvious symptoms.

Possible warning signs include:

Reduced Fetal Movements

A noticeable decrease in fetal activity should always be evaluated.

Slow Fetal Growth

Growth scans may reveal that the baby is smaller than expected.

Low Amniotic Fluid

Reduced fluid levels may indicate impaired placental function.

Maternal Conditions

Certain maternal conditions increase the risk of placental dysfunction.

These include:

• Hypertension.
• Preeclampsia.
• Diabetes.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Smoking.

According to (Usha et al. 2011), placental dysfunction is a major contributor to fetal growth restriction and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

How Are High-Risk Pregnancies Monitored?

Women with high-risk pregnancies often require additional placental surveillance.

Monitoring may include:

• More frequent antenatal visits.
• Serial growth ultrasounds.
• Doppler studies.
• NSTs.
• BPP assessments.
• Blood pressure monitoring.
• Amniotic fluid assessment.

The frequency of monitoring depends on:

• Maternal medical conditions.
• Fetal growth.
• Doppler findings.
• Gestational age.

Healthcare providers individualise surveillance plans for each pregnancy.

What Happens If Placental Function Declines?

If placental function appears to be deteriorating, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Closer surveillance.
• Repeat ultrasound examinations.
• Additional Doppler studies.
• Hospital admission.
• More frequent NSTs or BPPs.
• Early delivery if necessary.

Importantly, delivery decisions are rarely based on a single test result.

Instead, healthcare providers evaluate:

• Gestational age.
• Maternal symptoms.
• Fetal surveillance findings.
• Overall pregnancy risk.

Modern fetal surveillance has significantly improved the early detection of placental insufficiency, allowing many babies to be delivered safely before severe complications occur.

Can You Improve Placenta Health During Pregnancy?

Although some placental conditions cannot be prevented, several healthy lifestyle habits may support optimal placental function.

These include:

• Attending all antenatal appointments.
• Managing chronic medical conditions.
• Remaining physically active if medically approved.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol.
• Taking prescribed medications as directed.

As a women’s health physiotherapist, I also encourage:

• Regular gentle exercise.
• Adequate sleep.
• Relaxation breathing techniques.
• Stress management.
• Pelvic floor exercises.

These strategies support overall maternal health, which indirectly benefits placental function.

A Physiotherapist’s Perspective: Trust Your Baby’s Pattern

One of the most valuable messages I share with expectant mothers is simple:

You know your baby best.

Although medical tests provide important information, your awareness of your baby’s usual movement pattern remains extremely valuable.

If something feels different, seek medical advice.

Most assessments provide reassurance, but prompt evaluation remains essential.

Never hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned.

Questions You May Want to Ask Your Doctor

Consider asking:

• Is my placenta functioning normally?
• Is my baby’s growth appropriate?
• Will I need additional monitoring?
• Are my Doppler studies normal?
• Should I perform daily kick counts?
• What symptoms should prompt urgent review?

Preparing questions before appointments often reduces anxiety and improves understanding.

Conclusion

The placenta plays a vital role in supporting your baby’s growth and well-being throughout pregnancy.

Modern prenatal care offers many effective ways to monitor placenta health during the third trimester of pregnancy,

helping healthcare providers identify concerns early and intervene when necessary.

Although additional monitoring can sometimes feel overwhelming, most surveillance tests provide reassurance and support healthy pregnancy outcomes.

As a women’s health physiotherapist,

I encourage expectant mothers to remain engaged in their prenatal care, attend all appointments, and report any concerns regarding fetal movements promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do doctors monitor placental health during late pregnancy?

Doctors monitor placental health using fetal movement assessment, ultrasound scans, Doppler studies, fetal growth measurements, NSTs, BPPs, and amniotic fluid assessment.

2. What are the signs of placental insufficiency?

Possible signs include reduced fetal movements, fetal growth restriction, low amniotic fluid levels, and abnormal Doppler ultrasound findings.

3. Is placental calcification normal in late pregnancy?

Yes. Some degree of placental calcification is considered a normal part of placental aging during late pregnancy. Healthcare providers interpret calcification alongside other clinical findings.

4. Can reduced fetal movements indicate placental problems?

Yes. A noticeable reduction in fetal movements may occasionally indicate reduced placental function and should always be reported to your healthcare provider.

5. Can placental problems be treated during pregnancy?

Management depends on the underlying cause and gestational age. Treatment often involves closer monitoring, additional testing, and sometimes early delivery if necessary.

6. Can I improve placental health during pregnancy?

Although some placental conditions cannot be prevented, attending antenatal appointments, avoiding smoking, managing medical conditions, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active may support overall placental health.

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Medical Disclaimer!

This article has been reviewed and written under the guidance of our Head Physiotherapist, Dr. Kruti Raj (PT, MUHS,CPT,CMPT). The information shared is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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