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July 22, 2025
Pregnancy is a remarkable and complex journey during which a woman’s body undergoes countless transformations. One organ plays a critical role in sustaining life but is often overshadowed by the more visible physical changes. One such vital but less visible organ is the placenta. This remarkable organ nourishes and protects the developing foetus and performs a wide range of essential functions.
Let’s understand more about this important organ in this article.
The placenta is a temporary yet vital organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It is uniquely designed to connect the growing foetus to the uterine wall, allowing nutrient uptake, waste elimination, gas exchange, and hormonal support.
Essentially, the placenta’s function is to serve as the baby’s lifeline – it nourishes, protects, and sustains foetal life until birth. By acting as a mediator between the mother’s blood supply and the baby’s needs, the placenta ensures that development proceeds smoothly.
To fully appreciate the placenta’s work, it is important to understand its physical makeup. The structure is flat and disk-shaped in most cases and can weigh approximately 500 to 600 grams at full term.
The key components of the structure of the placenta include:
The placenta isn’t just a passive filter; it is an active organ that performs a wide range of life-sustaining activities. Here are its key functions:
Yes, the placenta does deliver essential nutrients – such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids – from the mother to the foetus. It also facilitates the transfer of oxygen, which is critical for cellular respiration and energy production in the growing baby.
The placenta acts as a filtration system, carrying away carbon dioxide and metabolic waste products from the foetal blood to the maternal circulation, where they are excreted by the mother’s body.
The placenta produces hormones essential for pregnancy, including hCG, progesterone, oestrogen, and human placental lactogen, which support the embryo, maintain the uterine lining, promote uterine growth, and regulate maternal metabolism.
The placenta acts as a selective barrier, allowing antibodies (specifically IgG) to pass from the mother to the foetus, providing the baby with passive immunity against infections during the first few months after birth.
The placenta acts as a barrier, allowing beneficial substances to pass through while restricting harmful ones. It limits the transfer of infections and toxins, but some viruses and drugs can still cross the barrier.
Recent research shows that the placenta plays a key role in shaping a baby’s long-term health through ‘foetal programming’, which states factors like maternal stress, nutrition, and inflammation can impact placental function and increase the baby’s risk of chronic conditions in the future.
The placenta plays a key role in brain development by controlling the supply of important nutrients like DHA, glucose, and oxygen, which are essential for forming neural connections.
When you go for an ultrasound, an important aspect that your doctor checks for is the placenta position—this refers to where the placenta is attached to the uterus.
Anterior placentas can affect how pregnant women feel their baby’s movements and may impact the delivery method needed, especially if there are complications like placenta previa. Knowing the placenta’s location is important for doctors to assess possible risks during pregnancy.
The types of placentae can vary based on shape, insertion, and umbilical cord placement. Here are the most recognised classifications:
The most common type of placenta in humans is round or oval-shaped with a single disc-like structure. It is optimal for nutrient and oxygen exchange and is typically seen in normal pregnancies.
The placenta has two equal-sized lobes connected by foetal vessels. However, these vessels are vulnerable to rupture during delivery, which can be a clinical concern.
The condition involves a main lobe with one or more additional lobes. If these additional lobes are not removed after delivery, it can lead to postpartum haemorrhage or infection.
The foetal membranes create a thick ring around the edge of the placenta, which can lead to complications such as preterm labour, growth restriction, or placental abruption.
Villi are small projections found on the chorion, creating a thin, sheet-like placenta. This phenomenon is extremely rare in humans, but more common in animals such as pigs and horses.
A placenta with holes that lack villi, although rare, is usually found incidentally and does not typically cause significant problems.
The insertion of the umbilical cord in the centre of the placental disc allows for the efficient distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the developing foetus.
The cord insertion is slightly off-centre but still within the placental boundary. This is a common occurrence and is typically not a cause for concern.
The cord inserts at the edge of the placenta, which can sometimes result in reduced blood flow.
In velamentous cord insertion, the cord attaches to the foetal membranes instead of the placenta directly, putting the vessels at risk of rupturing during labour and potentially causing serious complications.
After childbirth, the placenta goes through the third stage of labour. This process involves the delivery of the placenta.
After childbirth, the body expels the placenta in 5-30 minutes through contractions or with oxytocin to prevent bleeding.
After the baby is born, the placenta is delivered by the healthcare provider either naturally or with gentle traction. Any remaining fragments of the placenta are checked to prevent complications.
After childbirth, the placenta is examined for full removal and any signs of infection, calcification, or abnormalities that could indicate the mother’s health or pregnancy issues.
The placenta can be disposed of as medical waste in hospitals, buried in cultural rituals, processed into capsules for supposed health benefits, or donated for research purposes.
After placenta delivery, the uterus continues contracting and shrinking – a process called involution – which helps control bleeding and return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size over the next few weeks.
Pregnant women should be aware of potential placental complications that could endanger both the mother and the baby. Regular prenatal care is important for the early detection of these issues.
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix. It can be of three types: complete, partial, or marginal. Symptoms include painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester, with risks of preterm birth and heavy bleeding during delivery. Management may involve pelvic rest and a potential C-section if the placenta does not move.
Placental abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterus too early, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, tender uterus, and decreased foetal movement. Risks include foetal distress and maternal loss. Treatment may involve early delivery or emergency C-section.
Placenta accreta is when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall and doesn’t detach after birth. Types include accreta, increta, and percreta based on depth of attachment. Severe bleeding during delivery is a risk, leading to management with planned C-section and possible hysterectomy.
Retained placenta is when placental tissue remains in the uterus after delivery for over 30 minutes, leading to symptoms like bleeding and pain. Risks include postpartum complications and scarring, with treatment involving manual or surgical removal.
Placental insufficiency, caused by various factors like high blood pressure and smoking, reduces oxygen and nutrients to the foetus, resulting in poor growth and possible preterm birth or stillbirth. Monitoring and early delivery are key in managing this condition.
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid with symptoms like fever, rapid heart rate, and foul-smelling fluid. Risks include preterm labour, foetal infection, and sepsis. Treatment involves antibiotics and may require early delivery.
Keeping your placenta healthy means keeping your baby healthy. Here are some ways to support placental function:
Regular prenatal visits are important for identifying placental issues early, which can save lives. Report any abnormal symptoms, such as bleeding or decreased foetal movement, promptly to your healthcare provider.
Essential nutrients for optimal health include iron, folic acid, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein. You can find these nutrients in leafy greens, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fatty fish like salmon. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid excess sugar or highly processed foods for the best results.
Certain substances can impact the flow of blood and oxygen to the placenta, raising the chance of placental issues. It’s crucial to seek help if quitting is tough, as it can benefit both you and your baby.
Monitor high pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid problems. Follow the doctor’s advice and take medications as prescribed to prevent placental dysfunction.
Exercise during pregnancy has many benefits, including better circulation, healthy weight gain, and reduced stress which can aid in placental function. Safe options recommended include prenatal yoga, walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics with approval from a doctor.
Avoid exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides, cleaning chemicals, lead, and radiation. Use natural or pregnancy-safe products at home and stay away from areas with poor air quality to protect your health and the health of your baby.
The placenta is truly your baby’s lifeline – a dynamic, living organ that grows and evolves alongside your child. Understanding the placenta structure, its multiple functions, and the significance of the placenta position can empower expectant parents with the knowledge they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can work with your healthcare provider to monitor your placental health and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
After delivery, the placenta is expelled from the uterus during the third stage of labour and examined to ensure it is fully intact.
People may choose to bury, encapsulate, consume, or preserve the placenta for cultural, spiritual, or perceived health benefits.
Placentas are used for medical research, skincare products, and in some cases, for therapeutic purposes like stem cell harvesting and placenta encapsulation.
Whether to keep your placenta is a personal choice influenced by cultural, medical, or sentimental reasons, and any support for the same could be sought by discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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