The significance of morphologic placental findings in fetal distress

The causes of fetal distress are analyzed in 50 cases, with special emphasis being placed upon placental insufficiency. Clinically, no cause can be found for the condition of danger to the fetus in 8 pregnant women. The surface of the villous vessels evaluated by morphometric methods is significantly decreased in 10 placentas. Of the 8 pregnant women without known cause of fetal distress, 3 cases were found to show reduced villous vascularization. The relevance of morphological examinations of the placenta in fetal distress is discussed.