The Placenta: The Hidden Factory of Life

The Placenta: The Hidden Factory of Life

The placenta is known to be the vital bridge between mother and fetus, responsible for nourishing the fetus throughout pregnancy and during birth.

What are the functions of the placenta?

** Delivering oxygen to the fetus

** Delivering nutrients to the fetus, such as:

- Sugars

- Amino acids

- Fatty acids

- Minerals

- Vitamins

The placenta stores certain elements such as glycogen, iron, and proteins.

It produces hormones that support pregnancy, such as:

 - Pregnancy hormone (hCG)

 - Relaxin, which softens the cervix and loosens the ligaments

 - Progesterone

 - Estrogen

It also removes toxins such as urea and carbon dioxide.

**An immune function that prevents germs from reaching the fetus and allows the arrival of antibodies that protect it.

**Maintaining the fetus's temperature (keeping it warm).

**Performing some metabolic processes.

When does placental formation begin during pregnancy?

It begins from the time of implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining (around day 7 after fertilization).

The placenta reaches functional maturity by the end of the third month of pregnancy.

The placenta reaches anatomical maturity (complete formation) by the end of the sixteenth week of pregnancy.

What are the potential placental abnormalities?

** Placental position problems (such as placenta previa)

** Placental implantation problems (placenta accreta)

** Placental abruption

** Preeclampsia

** Chorioamnionitis

** Placental thrombosis

** Chorionic cell tumors

** Placenta with larger than usual size

** Placenta with smaller than usual size

** Accessory placental lobe (placenta with two parts)

Thus, the placenta is a single organ that performs several functions; it is a biological miracle that creates a human being and represents the lifeline before birth.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist