There is a distinct ridge around the periphery of the placental disc due to insertion of the membranes towards to the inner aspect. This placenta weighed only 300 grams at almost 38 weeks, which is significantly small for its age.

Circumvallate (defn: surrounded by a wall; rimmed) placenta refers an abnormally shaped placenta containing a marginal fold of the chorion with a projection of villous parenchyma beyond the edge of the chorion plate, lending a cupped or rimmed look to the placenta. This finding is often seen in association with chronic abruption (Suzuki). Additionally, there is an observed increase in the incidence of premature delivery, oligohydramnios, non-reassuring fetal status, and intrauterine fetal death (Suzuki).

Placentas tend to be small for gestational age and have degenerating blood clots as well as evidence of recent hemorrhage. A greenish tinge may be found if the blood becomes admixed with the amniotic fluid, due to biliverdin formation.

Patients may have recurrent vaginal bleeding due to chronic abruption. In addition circumvallate placentas may be associated with intrauterine growth restriction.