Imaging of the Placenta and Umbilical Cord: What Radiologists in Common Practice Need to Know.

The placenta and umbilical cord play crucial roles in fetal development, serving as the primary interface between the mother and fetus. These structures are essential for oxygen and nutrient exchange, waste removal, and endocrine support, all of which are critical for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Imaging plays a key role in the evaluation of normal and pathologic features of the placenta and umbilical cord, enabling early detection of complications that may affect maternal and fetal outcomes. Prenatal identification of conditions such as placenta previa, placenta accreta spectrum disorders, vasa previa, and velamentous cord insertion has significant implications for clinical management, enabling personalized delivery planning and multidisciplinary preparation. ©RSNA, 2026 Supplemental material is available for this article.