What maternal risks are associated with battledore placenta?

The correct answer highlights the maternal risks associated with battledore placenta, particularly regarding preterm labor and bleeding. Battledore placenta is characterized by the placement of the placenta along the edge of the placenta rather than its center, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery.

One key risk associated with a battledore placenta is the potential for unequal cord length, which may cause issues such as cord prolapse or placental detachment, contributing to preterm labor. Additionally, the abnormal placement might increase susceptibility to bleeding due to the proximity of blood vessels to the placental edge, creating a higher risk during labor and delivery.

Other options, while relevant to obstetric complications, do not specifically tie to the anatomy and pathology of a battledore placenta. For instance, postpartal hemorrhage is not directly linked to this placental condition but rather to other factors such as uterine atony or retained placental fragments. Similarly, placenta previa involves the placenta covering the cervix, which differs significantly from the edge attachment seen in battledore placenta. Gestational diabetes is another condition that affects pregnancy but is not related to the placement of the placenta or its anatomical variations.