|  | Family Health | Womens Health

What Is Abnormal Uterine Perfusion?

Abnormal uterine perfusion refers to an irregular blood supply to the uterus, which in pregnant women will affect the growth and development of the fetus.

  1. The Facts

    • Uterine perfusion refers to the flow of blood to the uterus. In cases of abnormal uterine perfusion, the uterus receives insufficient amounts of blood via its main supply, the uterine artery.

    Causes

    • According to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Cortney Cabell of Westside Family Healthcare in Wilmington, Delaware, abnormal uterine perfusion is a result of hypertension or preeclampsia in pregnant women.

    Hypertension and Preeclampsia

    • Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when blood vessels become harder and thicker than usual, resulting in a stressful, rigorous flow. With preeclampsia, blood vessels experience spasms that cause resistance in blood flow, leading to visual disturbances, fluid in the lungs and liver dysfunction. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, Cabell said.

    Effects

    • The uterine artery supplies nourishment to the placenta, and therefore the fetus. When that blood supply is impaired, it restricts fetal growth.

    Treatments

    • "You just have to make sure that the person has good blood pressure control," said Cabell, explaining that no treatments exist for the abnormality, but its causes can be treated.

Womens Health - Related Articles