When does the placenta form?

Medical articles

When does the placenta form?

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Jihan Mohamed Magdy, obstetrics and gynecology specialist

What is the placenta?

In the early stages of pregnancy, a small group of cells within the amniotic sac rapidly divides into two parts, the first developing into the fetus, and the second into the placenta.

The placenta is a temporary organ consisting of blood vessels, which attaches to the wall of the uterus and is connected to the fetus through the umbilical cord to nourish it throughout the nine months.

يمكنك قراءة What is the placenta and what causes its separation?

What is the function of the placenta?

The placenta transmits oxygen and nutrients to the fetus through the umbilical cord. Below we tell you about its most important functions:

Providing the fetus with oxygen and food.
Removing wastes and carbon dioxide from the fetus's blood to the mother so that her body can get rid of them later.
Transferring immunity and antibodies from the mother to the fetus to protect it from diseases after it emerges into life and the outside world.
Production of hormones that support pregnancy and help the growth of the fetus, such as: progesterone, estrogen, oxytocin, human chorionic gonadotropin, and human chorionic lactogen.

Get to know What is the appropriate sleeping position in case of placenta previa?

When does the placenta form?

The placenta is formed in the fourth week of pregnancy, approximately 7-10 days after the egg is implanted in the uterus.

The placenta begins to develop over the next two months, as the tiny hairs turn into larger vessels, providing more food and oxygen to the growing fetus.

The placenta begins producing hormones at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, so the symptoms of nausea, fatigue, and dizziness that most women experience in the first trimester disappear.

What is the normal size of the placenta?

The placenta is approximately 10 inches long, 1 inch thick at its center, and weighs approximately 0.45 kilograms when the baby is born.

Book your consultation now مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

What are the types of placenta?

Doctors classify the placenta into types based on its location in the uterus, including:

The anterior placenta is located in the front wall of the uterus.

The posterior placenta is located in the back wall of the uterus.

Low-lying placenta, located in the lower half of the uterus, likely covers the cervix, and is one of the problems that affect the placenta during pregnancy.

The fundal placenta, located in the upper half of the uterus, is known as the fundus.

Lateral placenta, located in the right or left wall of the uterus.

What are common placenta problems?

Some problems may occur in the placenta during pregnancy, which poses a risk to the mother and her fetus, including the following:

placenta previa, or low-lying placenta, It occurs when the placenta separates from its place, descends to the lower part of the uterus, and covers part or all of the cervix.
placenta accreta, It occurs when the placenta attaches deeply to the wall of the uterus.
premature placental abruption, It occurs when the placenta detaches from its place in the uterus too early in pregnancy.
placental insufficiency, It is a medical problem in which the placenta cannot deliver enough food or oxygen to the fetus.
retained placenta, In this case, part of the placenta remains inside the uterus after birth.
placental hyperplasia, The placenta grows abnormally.

What are the symptoms of placenta problems?

Bleeding is the main symptom of placental problems, as most, but not all, women suffer from it. Other symptoms include the following:

Severe pain and contractions in the lower abdomen.
The fetus does not grow properly.
Severe pain in the lower back.
Rapid contractions of the uterus.

How can placental problems be treated?

There is no cure for various placental problems, but its symptoms or complications can be controlled through the following tips:

Periodic follow-up with an obstetrician and gynecologist to examine the uterus and placenta with ultrasound.
Resorting to childbirth before the expected time if it poses a risk to the health of the mother and her fetus.
Avoid sex, sports, or any activity that may increase your risk of bleeding.
Complete bed rest.
Resorting to a caesarean section, because waiting until the time of natural labor may pose a risk to the mother and her fetus in some cases, and only the doctor can determine this.