Uhhhh...Placental Venous Lakes???

Question

Does anyone know what this is? What causes this? And what are the potential dangers? 
Have to go back in 4 weeks for another ultrasound. Just curious and a bit worried!! Clarification?!?! Anyone?!?!

Answer

ok I had never heard of this so I looked it up on ACOG & did a google search, too. Basically, placental venous lakes are just spaces in the placenta filled with excess maternal blood! They are typically diagnosed when seeing almost black, bulging spaces on the placenta, either on the fetal side or the side attached to your uterus. They are hypoechoic- which is why they’re seen as black “lakes” on your placenta. And what’s really interesting is that it often just means you have a thick placenta.    
These are often grouped in with subchorionic hematomas, and placenta accreta spectrum. 
  In most cases, these are normal and can pose no risks for complications! In some occasions, multiple placental lakes can raise concern for future fetal growth restrictions. Since it was found on an US, your OB is already aware of them, meaning they’ll keep an eye on you an baby to ensure that your little one continues growing correctly. If baby is restricted (rare cause of placental lakes) they may discuss induction depending on severity of IUGR (Intra Uterine Growth Restriction) and have you deliver earlier just to protect your little one. Again, that is not a super common occurrence because of placental lakes! 
I’m sorry your OB didn’t explain anything to you to reassure you & I hope you have a wonderful, happy, and healthy rest of your pregnancy!!!💛

Answer

I never heard of this.

Uhhhh...Placental Venous Lakes???

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