Placental Chorioangioma: What It Means for Pregnancy

The placenta is a key connection between you and your developing baby, delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout pregnancy. In some pregnancies, an unusual growth may develop within the placenta. One such growth is called a chorioangioma.



While many are harmless, some may require closer observation depending on their size and blood supply. If your ultrasound shows this finding, understanding what it means and why your doctor may recommend additional scans can help you feel more informed about your pregnancy.



Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi, Associate Director – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Punjabi Bagh, explains placental chorioangioma, its potential effects on pregnancy and how it is monitored and managed.





What Is a Placental Chorioangioma?A placental chorioangioma is a non-cancerous growth made up of blood vessels and supporting tissue that develops in the placenta.



“Small chorioangiomas usually do not cause significant problems and can often be monitored during pregnancy. Larger tumours may affect placental blood flow and require closer monitoring for potential complications.”

• Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi, Associate Director – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Punjabi Bagh

Placental chorioangioma is uncommon. Reported rates vary because very small growths may not always be detected. Larger, clinically significant chorioangiomas are estimated to occur in roughly 1 in 9,000 to 1 in 50,000 pregnancies.



What Causes a Placental Chorioangioma?The exact cause is unknown, but it may develop due to abnormal growth of blood vessels in the placenta.



Possible associations include:

• Abnormal blood-vessel development
• Low oxygen levels in the placenta
• Twin or multiple pregnancies
• Higher maternal age
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Living at high altitudes

These are possible risk factors, not proven causes. In most cases, chorioangioma develops unexpectedly and is not caused by anything you did during pregnancy.



What Are the Symptoms?Most small chorioangiomas cause no noticeable symptoms and are usually found during a routine ultrasound.



Larger growths may sometimes be linked with:

• Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Reduced foetal growth
• Foetal anaemia
• Changes in foetal blood flow
• Foetal heart strain
• Hydrops foetalis in severe cases
• Vaginal bleeding
• Preterm birth

How Is It Diagnosed?A chorioangioma is usually detected during a routine ultrasound scan. Doctors may use colour Doppler to check the blood flow within the growth and understand whether it could affect the pregnancy.



If closer monitoring is needed, your doctor may assess:

• Growth of the baby
• Amniotic fluid levels
• Blood flow through foetal vessels
• Signs of foetal anaemia
• Baby’s heart function
• Overall foetal wellbeing

Can Chorioangioma Affect Pregnancy?Most small chorioangiomas do not cause problems. Larger or highly vascular growths may need closer monitoring because they can affect blood flow between the placenta and baby.



Possible complications may include:

• Foetal anaemia
• Increased workload on the baby's heart
• Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Poor foetal growth
• Rarely, hydrops foetalis or preterm birth

A chorioangioma does not always make a pregnancy high-risk. Doctors consider its size, blood flow, location, and effect on the baby when deciding on monitoring.



How Is It Managed?Treatment depends on the size of the chorioangioma and whether it is causing complications.

• Small growths: Usually need regular ultrasound monitoring and do not require treatment.
• Larger growths: May need frequent checks of the baby’s growth, blood flow, amniotic fluid, and heart function.

• If complications occur: A foetal medicine specialist may consider procedures to reduce blood flow to the growth in selected cases.

• Severe complications: If the baby or mother is at risk, doctors may recommend delivery at the safest time.

When Should You Speak to Your Doctor?If a chorioangioma is found on your ultrasound, discuss these points with your doctor:

• Size and location of the growth
• Blood flow within the chorioangioma
• Whether it is affecting your baby
• How often you may need follow-up scans

Seek medical care promptly if you notice:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Leaking of fluid
• Regular or painful contractions
• Reduced or unusual foetal movements

A chorioangioma may sound worrying at first, but many do not cause serious problems. Your doctor may simply monitor you more closely throughout pregnancy to make sure you and your baby remain well. Following the recommended scans can help provide reassurance and timely care if needed.



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FAQs on Placental Chorioangioma: What It Means for Pregnancy

Can a placental chorioangioma disappear on its own?

A chorioangioma may remain stable throughout pregnancy rather than disappear. Small growths often don't cause problems and may simply be noted during routine scans. Your doctor will monitor its size and blood flow to check for changes.

Can a chorioangioma affect the baby’s growth?

A larger chorioangioma may interfere with normal placental circulation and, in some cases, affect foetal growth. Doctors may recommend regular growth scans to monitor the baby’s size and make sure development is progressing as expected.

Can I have a normal delivery with a chorioangioma?

Many women with a chorioangioma can have a normal delivery, particularly when there are no complications. The timing and method of birth depend on the growth, foetal well-being, pregnancy progress, and your doctor’s assessment.