Question

What is a placental paddle?

Answer

Ultrasound findings: Fetal growth indicators: Biparietal Diameter 38 mm, Head Circumference 148 mm, Abdominal Circumference 144 mm, Femur Length 26 mm. Fetal head position: at the level of the pubic symphysis. Fetal presentation: Left Occiput Anterior. Fetal presentation: Cephalic presentation. Cranial sutures are intact, and the spine is in proper alignment. Fetal heart: No abnormal axis of the heart, four-chamber heart structure displayed, heart rate 161 beats per minute, regular rhythm. Umbilical cords present are two in number, without wrapping around the neck. Amniotic fluid pocket is displayed, both kidneys are displayed, and the bladder is displayed. The placenta is located on the posterior wall of the uterus, and there are speckles within the placenta; Placental maturity grade: I. Amniotic fluid dark area: 43 mm, index: / mm. A placental paddle refers to a placenta that has a shape resembling the sail of a sailboat. Its characteristic feature is that part of the placenta is not attached to the uterine wall but is instead attached to the amniotic sac. In this situation, the fetal blood vessels directly connect from the amniotic sac to the placenta, forming a special vascular structure. This type of placenta is relatively rare, accounting for about 10% of cases of bat wing-shaped placentas. The incidence in twins is 9 times higher than in singletons. DeLee (1938) believed that almost all cases of triplets have a placental paddle. This condition poses no danger to the mother, but the fetal mortality rate is 60-80%. If the umbilical cord attachment point