What is the placenta? It is the link between the mother and her awaiting fetus. This wonderful organ is formed to become the fertile ground in which the fetus grows and develops.

Let us learn about the function and anatomy of the placenta, its importance, in addition to discussing a common medical condition related to it.

What is the placenta?

The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy. 

The placenta acts as a bridge between the mother and the fetus, and plays a crucial role in the growth of the fetus, as it supplies it with oxygen and nutrients and delivers them to the organs of its body, especially the brain.

They also play a role in the mother's metabolism and energy reserves to support healthy fetal development.

The placenta is expelled shortly after the baby is born, usually within five to thirty minutes, in a process known as postpartum or the third stage of labor. 

Complications related to the placenta may arise, such as placenta accreta, placenta accreta, etc., which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby if not treated. 

Normal placenta shape and development

The normal shape of the placenta is round, with the umbilical cord entering roughly in the middle. However, the shape of the placenta may vary from round to oval, bilobed, or multi-lobed, or it may be irregular in shape.

The dimensions of a normal placenta are about 22 cm in diameter, 2.0 to 2.5 cm in thickness, and its weight is about 470 grams.

The placenta begins to develop shortly after conception, about seven to ten days after fertilization. 

They arise from the outer layer of the fertilized egg called the trophoblast, and as pregnancy progresses, these cells multiply;

Initially, the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus, and as the uterus expands and grows, the placenta gradually moves upward. 

By the third trimester of pregnancy, from weeks 28 to 40, the placenta should be near the top of the uterus, providing enough space for the baby to exit during birth.

يمكنك قراءة When does the placenta form?؟ وما هي مشكلاتها الشائعة؟

What is the function of the placenta?

The placenta performs crucial functions during pregnancy. Below are her main roles:

• Providing nutrients and oxygen: Through the umbilical cord, the placenta delivers essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother's blood to the baby, and this ensures proper growth and development.
• Waste removal: The placenta also removes wastes, such as carbon dioxide, from the baby’s blood, as it works to transport the wastes back into the mother’s blood circulation.
• Hormone production: The placenta produces hormones that are necessary to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
• Immune protection: The placenta transfers antibodies from mother to child before birth;

Ultimately, the placenta acts as a lifeline between mother and baby, ensuring the safety and development of the fetus until birth.

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What is the benefit of the placenta after birth?

It has long been known to many people that eating the placenta after giving birth after processing it and placing it in a capsule may provide benefits, such as increased energy, improved mood, increased breast milk, and perhaps reduced risk of postpartum depression and insomnia. 

However, it is important to note that these supposed benefits have not been scientifically proven, and some research indicates potential risks associated with eating placenta, such as the spread of infection with bacteria or viruses in the mother's blood.

Placenta previa 

Although Placenta It usually moves higher in the uterus as pregnancy progresses, but in some cases, it may remain low and cover part or all of the opening of the cervix, a condition known as placenta previa. 

Causes of placenta previa

Although the exact cause of placenta previa is unknown, some factors may increase the risk of developing this condition, It includes:

• Abnormally shaped uterus.
• Previous pregnancies or multiple pregnancies, for example, twins or triplets.
• Abnormalities or scarring of the uterine lining.
• Previous surgeries, such as caesarean section.
• Artificial insemination.
• Mother's age is over 35 years.
• Maternal smoking or cocaine use during pregnancy.

Symptoms of placenta previa

The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden vaginal bleeding, which usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy. 

The bleeding may be bright red in color and range from light to heavy flow, and some women also feel mild pain or cramping in the abdomen or back.

It is important to seek medical care immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, because placenta previa may have serious complications for the mother and baby.

When is placental abruption normal?

It counts The placenta descends naturally At the beginning of pregnancy, when the placenta is low in the uterus, which changes automatically as the pregnancy develops. 

 This condition occurs in 1 in 200 pregnancies, however, if the condition persists, it may cause serious bleeding and other complications later in the pregnancy, requiring immediate medical attention and close monitoring.

How can placenta previa be treated?

Placenta previa can be diagnosed through an ultrasound examination during pregnancy, which provides a visual image of the location of the placenta and its attachment to the cervix.

In most cases, a cesarean section is recommended for delivery if the placenta covers part or all of the cervix.

The doctor may resort to quick treatments, such as:

• Blood transfusions.
• Medications to prevent premature labor.
• steroid injection;

However, if the placenta is located near the cervix but does not cover it, your doctor may only advise you to reduce activity, rest in bed, and avoid intercourse;

If you experience symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding or any unexplained symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical care, for diagnosis, management, and preventative treatment options;

The placenta is an exceptional organ that plays a vital role in supporting a healthy pregnancy, from providing essential nutrients and oxygen to removing waste, to ensure the baby's healthy growth.

Remember, the placenta is not just an organ, it is the life line that supports the growth and development of new life. 

Frequently asked questions

What do doctors do with the placenta?

After birth, doctors examine the placenta to ensure its complete expulsion and safety. This examination is used to ensure that no part of it remains inside the uterus, which causes complications of pain such as bleeding or infections. After the examination, the placenta is disposed of according to medical protocols, and it is considered as medical waste in most cases. There are some cultures or special cases in which the family is allowed to take the placenta for personal or religious reasons, provided that this does not conflict with local health laws.

What happens when the placenta bursts?

When the placenta explodes, or what is known as premature placental abruption, the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall before the fetus is born, which leads to serious internal bleeding that threatens the life of the mother and the fetus. The mother also suffers from sudden pain in the abdomen or back along with vaginal bleeding and severe uterine contractions. This condition is considered an emergency and requires immediate medical intervention to preserve the safety of the mother and fetus. An early or urgent cesarean section may be required.

Where is the placenta of the male fetus located?

There is no fixed or scientifically confirmed difference in the location of the placenta between a male or female pregnancy. The location of the placenta depends on the circumstances of the pregnancy and the attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus, but it does not depend on the sex of the fetus. However, some beliefs have spread among people that the male placenta is mostly on the right side, and the female placenta on the left side, but these are just popular beliefs that are not supported by any reliable medical studies.

Medical references 

Pregnancy week by week – mayoclinic

What is the placenta – clevelandclinic