What Is the Significance of Placental Lakes in Pregnancy? A Historic Literature Review.

The presence of placental lakes has been recognized on obstetric ultrasounds for many years, although their influence on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes remains uncertain. Most studies evaluating outcomes are small and many outcomes are conflicting. The question remains whether placental lakes affect pregnancy outcomes and, if so, how and under what circumstances? The purpose of this review was to determine the incidence, diagnosis, pathology, management, and pregnancy outcomes to determine the influence of an isolated lake versus the influence of a lake with the presence of other factors on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.