Why would a placenta of a 39 week/4 day baby be "highly calcified" and in poor condition? I am healthy, I eat healthy, I do not smoke, I do not drink, I exercise. Any input?

Daggy

My placenta was calcified as well. During pregnancy I ate all organic, wrote down everything I ate to make sure I got enough protein, fruits, veggies, vitamins, etc. So no ideas....

I am 36 1/2 weeks and have to go have an ultrasound and stress test done twice per week on the baby. The High risk doctor says it is because the placenta is a Grade 3 placenta and at some point the Baby will not get the nourishment she needs to survive in utero. He wants me to have a c-section because a vaginal delivery is almost impossible with a grade 3 placenta because the babies heartrate usually drops, their Blood pressure increases and they get stressed during contractions. I asked him why this happens (it is the second time for me), and he said smoking is the only thing they have linked it to, however, I do not and have NEVER smoked. My mother also had this problem in pregnancy which makes me wonder if it is not genetic. My son is now five and a healthy boy, but at birth he could barely breathe and had to be given oxygen. I am told it could've been prevented had the Midwife I went to caught it during the pregnancy.

Sounds like a genetic related issue. I would trust your doctor in this case.

Calista

Drinking pop frequently, even once a week will cause placental calcification. Exposure to toxins/pollutants in your home, work, or air will also cause placental calcification.
Increases of Vit E and C have shown decreases in mothers who are at risk.
http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/nat...utrition02.htm

HTH