[ULTRASOUND OF THE PLACENTA. NORMAL FINDINGS AND PLACENTAL ABNORMALITIES: A REVIEW.]

The placenta has a fundamental role for fetal growth and health throughout pregnancy. Normal placental function is essential for a healthy pregnancy outcome. A complete ultrasound survey at any stage of the pregnancy should include full assessment of the fetus and placenta. Timely detection of placental abnormalities cbn give the clinician the opportunity to make important management decisions. The primary aim is healthy pregnancy outcome. Prenatal diagnosis and correct obstetric managment reduce fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Familiarity with the normal and abnormal imaging appearance of the placenta is therefore necessary for the obstetrician. Despite the fundamental role of the placenta for the pregnancy outcome, ultrasound examination of the placenta is often considered secondary to the fetus. Location, size, shape and architecture are easily ascertained with two-dimensional techniques. Three-dimensional techniques and Doppler techniques are more detailed methods for evaluation uteroplacental structure and function.