The horseshoe placenta, a rare placental anomaly where the placenta encircles the fetus in a horseshoe shape, is a challenging word to spell. The correct pronunciation of this term is hɔː(r)ʃuː pləˈsɛntə. The "horseshoe" part of the word is spelled "h-o-r-s-e-s-h-o-e," with the stress on the first syllable. The "placenta" part is spelled "p-l-a-c-e-n-t-a," with the stress on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription helps to break down the word, making it easier to spell and pronounce correctly.
Horseshoe placenta is a rare anatomical variation of the placenta, the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. In a typical pregnancy, the placenta attaches to the uterus in a round or oval shape. However, in the case of a horseshoe placenta, there is a unique formation where the placenta appears to have a U or horseshoe-like shape.
This condition occurs when the developing placenta fuses together at the bottom, creating a horseshoe shape. The two ends of the horseshoe attach to the uterine wall on either side. This specific formation can result in the placenta wrapping around the cervix or being located lower in the uterus, which may lead to various complications.
Horseshoe placenta is considered a rare occurrence, affecting a small percentage of pregnancies. It is typically diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasounds or if certain symptoms arise, such as unusual fetal positions or difficulties in placental delivery during childbirth.
The presence of a horseshoe placenta can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including placenta previa, where the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. It may also be associated with other conditions like fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and abnormal fetal position. Prompt diagnosis and proper management by healthcare professionals are necessary to monitor and mitigate potential complications associated with a horseshoe placenta.
An exaggerated p. reniformis curved in the form of a horseshoe.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.