Placenta Essential Functions and Health Implications

Main Roles of the Placenta

The placenta is a round, flat organ that forms inside the uterus during pregnancy. It connects to the growing baby by the umbilical cord. This connection lets the placenta send oxygen and important nutrients from the mother’s blood directly to the baby. At the same time, it removes waste materials like carbon dioxide and urea from the baby’s blood and sends them into the mother’s body for removal.

The placenta acts as a barrier, filtering out some harmful substances and protecting the baby’s developing immune system. It also makes hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which help keep the pregnancy healthy. The placenta attaches to the uterine wall, usually near the top or sides, but it can also attach in other spots, which can affect birth. The organ’s main jobs include:

Supplies oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels in the umbilical cord.
Eliminates waste products from the fetal bloodstream.
Making hormones that support fetal growth and development.
Protecting the baby by acting as a selective filter.
Helping with immune defense for the developing fetus.

Table: Key Placental Functions

Function	Description
Gas Exchange	Delivers oxygen, removes carbon dioxide
Nutrient Supply	Transfers glucose, amino acids, iron, and vitamins
Waste Removal	Removes urea, bilirubin, and other waste
Hormone Production	Creates progesterone, estrogen, hCG, hPL
Protection	Filters some pathogens and harmful agents

What Can Influence Placental Health?

Many factors affect placental health. Age matters, as certain problems are more likely when the pregnant person is over 40 years old. If the amniotic sac (“bag of waters”) breaks before labor, the risk of placental problems and infection goes up.

Blood pressure plays a role. High blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the placenta and harm fetal development. Pregnancies with twins or more babies put extra strain on the placenta and raise the risk of complications. Past surgeries on the uterus, such as a cesarean section or fibroid removal, can increase the chance of placental issues.

Smoking, drug use, or blood-clotting problems also make complications more likely. Physical injury to the stomach from accidents, falls, or blows can cause the placenta to pull away from the uterine wall too soon.

Factors That May Affect Placental Health

Maternal age over 40
High blood pressure
Having twins, triplets, or more
Blood-clotting conditions
Previous problems with the placenta
Uterine surgeries (C-section, fibroid removal)
Smoking or substance use
Trauma or stomach injury

List: Tips That May Boost Placental Health

Attend all prenatal appointments.
Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol.
Manage existing health problems with your doctor.
Report any falls or injuries during pregnancy.
Discuss uterine surgery history with your care provider.

Typical Placental Problems and Worries

Some conditions and worries related to the placenta happen more often than others.

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall too early. This can stop the baby from getting enough oxygen and nutrients and can cause heavy bleeding.
Placenta previa happens when the placenta sits low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix. This can cause bleeding and may require a cesarean section if it does not move as the uterus grows.
Placenta accreta means the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and doesn’t separate easily during delivery. In more severe cases, it can invade surrounding muscles or even go through the uterine wall. This can cause dangerous bleeding and may require surgery.
Retained placenta means the placenta has not come out of the uterus within 30 minutes of childbirth. This can lead to infection or heavy bleeding.

Overview Table: Common Placental Concerns

Condition	Main Issue	Possible Risks
Placental abruption	Placenta detaches too soon	Fetal distress, severe bleeding
Placenta previa	Placenta covers cervix	Bleeding, c-section needed
Placenta accreta	Placenta grows too deeply	Major blood loss, surgery
Retained placenta	Placenta not expelled after birth	Infection, heavy bleeding

Other less common concerns include infection of the placenta, involvement of extra lobes, or placenta vasa previa, where fetal blood vessels cross the cervix unprotected.

Warning Signs of Placental Problems

Certain symptoms can point to an issue with the placenta. Watch for these and report them right away:

Vaginal bleeding, especially if it is heavy or doesn’t stop.
Strong or persistent pain in the lower abdomen.
Persistent or severe back pain.
Repeated tightening or cramping in the uterus.

These symptoms might be caused by problems like placental abruption or placenta previa, both of which can be serious and need medical attention. Always talk to a healthcare provider if these signs appear, as early action can prevent complications.

Reducing the Chances of Placental Problems

While most issues with the placenta can’t be completely prevented, you can lower the risk with good prenatal care and healthy habits.

Keep all scheduled checkups so any problem can be found early.
Work closely with your healthcare provider to control chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Avoid habits known to raise risk, such as smoking or drug use.
If possible, talk to your doctor about the risks of elective cesarean sections and other uterine surgeries.

If you had placenta-related issues in past pregnancies or have had uterine surgery, let your care team know early in the new pregnancy. Your provider can help create a plan to lower risk.

Checklist for Lowering Placental Risk

Go to every prenatal visit.
Take any medicine or supplements as advised.
Report unusual pain or bleeding immediately.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Talk about any surgical history on the uterus with your care provider.

Healthy Habits Table

Step to Take	How It Helps Placental Health
Attend prenatal care	Finds problems early
Manage chronic disease	Keeps blood flow and growth on track
Avoid risky behaviors	Lowers risk of complications
Share medical history	Informs care planning

How the Placenta Is Delivered at Birth

After the baby is born, the placenta must also leave the womb. If the baby is born vaginally, mild contractions continue after birth to help separate the placenta from the uterine wall. Usually, the placenta comes out within 30 minutes in what is called the third stage of labor.

To help this process, a healthcare provider may give a medicine called oxytocin. This prompts further contractions, reduces bleeding, and encourages the placenta’s release. The mother may also be asked to push again, and the provider may massage the lower abdomen to help the uterus contract.

If the birth is by cesarean section, the surgeon removes the placenta during the operation. The provider checks the placenta afterward to make sure it is whole and that no pieces remain in the uterus, which could cause infections or heavy bleeding.

Steps in Vaginal Delivery of the Placenta

Continued contractions help detach the placenta.
Medicine (oxytocin) may be given to assist with contractions and reduce bleeding.
Gentle pulling on the umbilical cord and abdominal massage aid expulsion.
The placenta is examined after removal to ensure it is intact.

Comparison Table: Placental Delivery by Birth Method

Birth Method	How Placenta Is Delivered
Vaginal birth	By further contractions and pushing
Cesarean section	Surgically removed during operation

After delivery, the care team inspects the placenta and the inside of the uterus. This check helps prevent complications like retained placenta, infection, or dangerous bleeding. People interested in seeing the placenta or learning more about it can ask their care provider. In some cultures, special traditions, such as burial of the placenta, are practiced.