Editorial

Editorial

Dimitris Loutradis

Professor, Director of 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens


Pregnancy is a crucial period for parents that is, in most cases, accompanied by positive feelings in awaiting childbirth. However, in certain cases complications may occur that pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Understanding these complications is crucial for expectant parents and healthcare providers alike. Common complications include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abruption, each requiring vigilant monitoring and timely intervention.

These complications underscore the importance of regular prenatal care. Early detection and management can mitigate risks and promote healthier outcomes. Education is vital and physicians should be aware of  the available methods of diagnosis as well as the management of these cases, to ensure optimal pregnancy outcomes. Placental abnormalities confer to a broad spectrum of adverse perinatal outcomes and these have been a subject of research the last 20 years in an international level.

In the present issue we focus on the antenatal methods of prediction of fetal mocrosomia based on placental and umbilical cord characteristics as well as the sonographic criteria that can help differentiate morbidly adherent placenta, that may significantly affect maternal and fetal wellbeing.