North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Extensive infarction of entire cotyledons suggests significant abnormalities in placental health, often linked to issues with maternal health. Cotyledons are the functional units of the placenta, and extensive infarction in these areas indicates a lack of adequate blood flow and oxygen to the developing placental tissue. This can occur due to various factors, such as hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, diabetes, or other vascular-related issues.

When the cotyledons are extensively infarcted, it typically reflects compromised placental function, leading to inadequate nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Such conditions can negatively impact fetal development and increase the risk of complications, including growth restrictions and even stillbirth.

In this context, understanding that these significant changes in the placenta can often be rooted in maternal health conditions provides vital insight into the potential risks faced during pregnancy. Therefore, the indication of extensive infarction aligns closely with maternal health concerns rather than normal placental aging or successful adaptation processes.