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The placenta is an important Organ of the Female Reproduction and gestation.

It connects the unborn baby (fetus) to the Uterine Wall.

A Placenta forms in response to an implantation of a fertilized egg.

It allows for the umbilical cord to attach to the fetus to allow for nutrition.

The placenta continues to grow throughout pregnancy.

In placental mammals – a placenta is a defining characteristic

Some snakes and lizards also have a placenta.

Functions of Placenta:

–    Maternal blood flow that brings nutrition to fetus
-    Removal of waste products
-    Gas exchange
-    Production of progesterone during pregnancy

Structure

It is disc shaped.

The placenta is typically around 9 inches in length (between 233-23 cm).

It is about 1 inch thick.

It weighs about 500 grams

Connects to the fetus by the Umbilical Cord

The Umbilical Cord has two Umbilical Arteries and one Umbilical Vein

Vessels branch out from the surface of the placenta.

The placenta grows throughout Pregnancy.

Blood supply from the mother is fully developed near the end of the first Trimester – approximately 12-14 weeks.

Third Stage of Labor

Placental Expulsion begins just after the fetus is expelled.

The placenta separates from the wall of the Uterus

The placenta is expelled anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour after delivery.

In most cases it happens in the first 30 minutes.

Oxytocin, a medication given, often helps in delivering the placenta.

But it isn’t required that this medication is given.

Studies shows that mediation can reduce your risk for blood loss – including postpartum bleeding following delivery.

Nothing to indicate that cutting the cord immediately after birth is necessary.

During birth, when the placenta is delivered, can also be called “Afterbirth“.