Index
During our life we hear several terms that we know are linked to a specific subject, but we are not sure what it is about. It happens, for example, when we talk about well-known terms of pregnancy, like the placenta, for example.
For many people, this immediately refers to a woman’s pregnancy, but many do not know exactly what it means, let alone its important role in this process.
What is Placenta?
The placenta is a very specific organ of mammals, which only exists during pregnancy and serves as a protective layer for the baby to ensure the evolution of the pregnancy . The blood of the mother and baby almost never comes into direct contact with each other (the passage of red blood cells from the mother to the baby is a particularly serious problem when it comes to the RH factor ), with the placenta as an intermediary to guarantee the protection of the fetus.
The formation of this organ occurs at the beginning of pregnancy, as soon as fertilization occurs. When the egg is implanted in the uterine wall, several cells begin to infiltrate the vessels of the uterus, initiating a kind of internal lining, which will later become the placenta.
By the 12th week of gestation she is complete and performing all of her main functions. Until the 16th week , the baby and the placenta have the same weight, but at the end of the pregnancy, the baby is usually up to 6 times heavier than the organ.
During delivery , the placenta detaches from the uterus and leaves with the baby. Although many consider it healthy for the baby to remain coated with it in its first moments of life, there is no study that proves some kind of function of the placenta outside the womb, although it can prevent bacteria from attacking the baby in the beginning.
However, this is something that can also be easily done by doctors without harming the baby’s health in any way, so, at least today, this practice has no real effectiveness.
Placenta Functions
There are several functions that are attributed to the placenta and this is a fundamental organ for the development and safety of the baby inside the maternal uterus. These functions are:
Nutrition : One of the main functions of the placenta. She is responsible for maintaining the exchange of nutrients between the mother and the baby through the umbilical cord.
Breathing : The gas exchange of the fetus is also a responsibility of this organ. It receives oxygen from the mother through the umbilical cord and releases carbon dioxide through the placenta itself.
Immune Protection : The placenta is also responsible for protecting the baby if the mother becomes ill and prevents viruses and bacteria from directly affecting it. Even when the mother is not sick, several types of bacteria can still be present in her body and they can harm the baby and the placenta also prevents this contact.
Urine Excretion : It occurs mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the baby starts to swallow the amniotic fluid and urinate. The urea that is produced is cleared by the placenta.
Hormone production : Another very important function of this organ is the production of beta hormones HCG and progesterone, which are some of the main hormones of pregnancy and which have important functions for the moment of delivery and even for breastfeeding .
In addition, with the production of hormones, the placenta ensures the correct development of pregnancy by modifying the mother’s metabolism. There are still other functions that the placenta performs, such as the heat transfer between mother and baby, the medication filter, and mainly, physical protection , since this layer prevents impacts against the mother’s belly from directly affecting the baby, protecting it even from sudden changes in temperature.
Main Problems with Placenta)
During pregnancy, several problems can occur with the placenta in varying degrees of seriousness. Let’s talk about each one here, explaining what the dangers are and how each one can occur.
- Cool Placenta
- Placental Thrombosis
- Placenta Calcificada
- Placenta Baixa
- Placenta acreta
Cool Placenta
It happens when the placenta detaches from the uterus before the moment of delivery. Such detachment can occur due to very strong blows, smoking, very high blood pressure or a history of women with the same type of problem. The detachment of the placenta can cause problems in the development of the baby and should be treated as soon as possible.
Placental Thrombosis
It happens when a clot is formed in one of the arteries or veins of the placenta, thus making it difficult to exchange gas and nourish the baby. Although it is something rare, it can be harmful and even cause abortions, although there are cases of placental thrombosis that are not even felt by the mother and that do not cause any type of damage.
Placenta Calcificada
This problem occurs when the placenta develops too fast, becomes “aged” and loses the quality of some of its functions. If this problem occurs before the 34th week of gestation , it can be dangerous , since the calcified placenta can cause problems in the baby’s formation.
Placenta Baixa
It occurs when the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. It is normal in the first trimester of pregnancy , but if the problem persists, normal childbirth may be impracticable or even a premature birth.
Placenta acreta
Unlike placental detachment, this problem occurs because of the difficulty of the placenta coming out at the time of delivery. Depending on the severity, this problem can even pose a risk of death for the mother, requiring removal of the uterus.
For a woman who wants to become pregnant it is extremely important to know organs like the placenta and to know what are their functions, how they develop, and also to be alert about possible problems that may occur.
Of course, researching on your own will never replace a conversation with your doctor, but that way, the woman will be much more informed to answer more specific questions and to be alert to any signs of trouble during her pregnancy.
Information is never too much, especially when it comes to your pregnancy and the issues surrounding your future child.
See also: Ramzi Method – The Position of the Placenta Influencing Baby Gender?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
