The placenta – what does it do, what problems can it have and how to keep it healthy?

The placenta is a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy and maintains the connection between mother and child. It develops from the same cells that make up the embryo and begins to function actively from the first trimester. This organ plays an essential role in the health of pregnancy, facilitating the exchange between maternal and fetal blood, protecting the fetus and much more.

Do you want to be informed so that you have a healthy pregnancy until the end? Keep reading and learn more about what the placenta is and what role it plays in conceiving children!

Where does the placenta form?

The placenta begins to appear shortly after the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. It attaches there and grows as the pregnancy progresses. Its position differs from one pregnancy to another: it can be in front of the uterus (anterior placenta), behind (posterior), on top (fundus) or low, close to the cervix (placenta previa). If it is previa, meaning it completely or partially covers the cervix, doctors monitor the situation carefully, especially in the last trimester.

What does the placenta look like?

The placenta has a round or oval shape, with a smooth surface on the side that comes into contact with the baby. The umbilical cord attaches to it, being the point through which the baby receives oxygen and nutrients. On the side attached to the uterus, the placenta is more irregular, with many blood vessels. Its color varies from dark red to purplish red, due to the intense blood flow.

How big is the placenta?

The size of the placenta depends on each pregnancy. At term, it is around 18-22 cm in diameter, 2-3 cm thick and weighs between 500 and 700 g. Sometimes, it can be smaller or larger, and doctors analyze these variations to ensure that the fetus is developing well.

The placenta is an essential organ during pregnancy. After birth, the uterus begins to recover, and the placenta is eliminated. If there are problems with its position or functioning, doctors decide what to do for the safety of the mother and baby.

What is the role of the placenta?

The placenta has several essential functions for the normal development of the fetus and the maintenance of pregnancy:

It transports nutrients and oxygen – it acts as a “bridge” between the mother and the baby. Oxygen reaches the baby through the placenta, which takes it from the mother’s blood. In addition to oxygen, the placenta transports proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, essential for the growth of the baby.
Eliminates waste substances – as the fetus grows, its body produces waste, such as carbon dioxide and urea. The placenta takes these residues and transfers them into the mother’s blood, which eliminates them through the kidneys.
Produces important hormones – the placenta acts as a small “factory” of hormones that play a very important role in maintaining pregnancy and the health of the fetus. Among the most important hormones are:

Progesterone – maintains the uterine lining at an optimal and stable thickness for implantation and development of the egg.
Estrogen – stimulates the growth of blood vessels in the uterus and prepares the body for childbirth and breastfeeding.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – supports the development of pregnancy in the first weeks, maintaining the activity of hormones in the ovaries.
Placental lactogen – helps regulate glucose levels so that the baby has enough energy and develops harmoniously.
Protects against infections – the placenta filters certain bacteria and viruses, protecting the baby throughout pregnancy. Also, antibodies in the mother’s blood pass through the placenta, providing the baby with a first form of immunity for the first months of life.
Regulates the mother’s immune response – because the fetus contains genetic material different from that of the mother, her immune system could reject it. The placenta produces special proteins that prevent this, ensuring a harmonious development of the pregnancy.
Regulates the fetus’s temperature – through blood circulation, the placenta maintains a constant temperature for the baby, protecting it from external variations.

Helps the fetus’s brain development – ​​the nutrients and hormones produced and supplied by the placenta support the fetus’s neurological development, influencing the growth and functioning of the brain before birth.

What conditions can be detected in the placenta?

The placenta is essential for the healthy and normal development of the baby, but sometimes complications can occur that need to be closely monitored by a specialist.

Here are some of the most common problems that can affect the placenta and what they mean for the pregnancy:

Placenta previa

The placenta is too low in the uterus and can cover the cervix, which prevents a natural birth. This can cause bleeding in the second and third trimesters. If the placenta does not change position as the uterus grows, the doctor may recommend a cesarean section to prevent complications.

Premature placental abruption

The placenta can separate from the uterine wall before birth, reducing the oxygen and nutrients that the baby receives. This can cause severe pain in the abdomen, frequent contractions, and bleeding. Depending on the severity, close monitoring or premature delivery may be necessary for the safety of the mother and baby.

Placenta accreta

This occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall, which can cause problems during delivery. If the placenta does not detach easily after birth, it can cause severe bleeding. In some cases,In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the placenta and, in some extreme cases, even the uterus.

Placental Aging

The placenta ages naturally as pregnancy progresses, but sometimes this process can occur earlier than normal. A placenta that loses its functions prematurely can affect the baby's development, affecting its normal growth, being dangerous for the pregnancy. To avoid such situations, mothers should go for regular ultrasounds to monitor the condition of the placenta.

Placental Insufficiency

The placenta does not function at its full capacity, which means that the baby does not receive enough nutrients and oxygen. This can be caused by various health problems in the mother, such as hypertension, diabetes or smoking. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend a balanced diet, supplements or, in severe cases, inducing labor earlier.

If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or decreased baby movement, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Close monitoring and proper care are the best way to prevent complications and ensure a healthy, trouble-free pregnancy for you and your baby.

Factors that can affect the health of the placenta

Smoking and alcohol – reduce blood flow to the placenta and can cause serious complications.
High blood pressure – increases the risk of placental insufficiency and placental abruption.
Maternal age – older pregnancies may have a higher risk of placental problems.
Previous complicated pregnancies – women who have had placenta previa or accreta in the past are at increased risk in future pregnancies.
Gestational diabetes – can affect the development of the placenta and the flow of nutrients to the baby.
Exposure to toxins – environmental chemicals, including pollution and pesticides, can affect the health of the placenta.
Severe anemia – low blood iron levels affect oxygen transport and can lead to placental complications.
Obesity – excessive body weight can affect the functioning of the placenta and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Stress – high cortisol levels can affect blood flow to the placenta and, implicitly, fetal development.

Advice for expectant mothers

Go for regular check-ups – ultrasounds and blood tests recommended by specialists are used to monitor the placenta and identify any problems that could endanger your health and that of your baby.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle – a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, supports the proper functioning of the placenta.
Avoid smoking and alcohol – these affect blood circulation and can cause serious complications.
Monitor fetal movements – changes in the baby’s activity can indicate problems with the placenta.
Reduce stress and fatigue – high levels of stress can affect the health of the placenta.
Stay hydrated – water helps maintain adequate blood volume, which is essential for a healthy placenta.
Exercise moderately – light exercise, such as walking, improves blood circulation and, consequently, oxygenation of the placenta.
Get enough sleep – restful sleep helps maintain hormonal balance and proper placenta function.
Avoid excessive caffeine consumption – caffeine in large quantities can affect blood flow to the placenta and fetal development.
Get informed and talk to your doctor – any concerns or unusual symptoms should be reported to your doctor to prevent complications.

What other changes occur in a woman’s body to support a healthy pregnancy?

In addition to the development of the placenta, the woman’s body goes through multiple changes to support the pregnancy and fetal development.

Blood volume increases by approximately 40-50%, to transport more oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
The heart works harder, increasing its heart rate to pump this extra blood.
The uterus increases in size to almost 500 times its original size, and the ligaments relax to allow for these changes.
Hormones, especially progesterone and estrogen, are at much higher levels, influencing metabolism, mood, and even the appearance of the skin and hair.
The digestive system slows down, allowing for better absorption of nutrients, but can also cause unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn or constipation.
The kidneys work harder to eliminate toxins.
The immune system becomes more tolerant, to avoid rejection of the fetus by the mother's body.

All of these changes have the role of creating an optimal environment for the growth of the child and preparing the body for birth and breastfeeding.
The placenta is an essential organ in the development of pregnancy and plays an essential role in the growth and protection of the fetus. Although in most cases the placenta functions normally, complications can occur that require medical attention.

Every pregnancy is unique, and understanding how the placenta works can help expectant mothers feel more informed and prepared for this wonderful experience!