Changes in the
uterus during pregnancy / normal products of conception
Common sites:
Gross features:
Histologic features:
- presence of
placental villi – syncitiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts
- note that in a
D&C for termination of pregnancy, if you DO NOT see placental villi, YOU MUST CONSIDER ECTOPIC AND PICK UP THE PHONE
- decidualization – endometrial stromal cells develop
a glassy, eosinophilic, plump appearance with distinct cell borders
- fibrinoid necrosis
– necrotic areas mixed with bits of pink fibrin – provides evidence of
trophoblastic invasion
- fetal parts:
- look for small
blue cell areas
- nucleated RBC's in villi