Placenta: How it works, what’s typical
The placenta plays a vital function throughout pregnancy. Learn what the placenta does, problems that may impact it and how it is provided.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
If you’re pregnant, you may question just what the placenta is, what it does and what may impact it. Here’s what you require to learn about this crucial organ.
What does the placenta do?
The placenta is an organ that forms in the womb, likewise called the uterus, throughout pregnancy. The placenta is linked to an establishing child by a tubelike structure called the umbilical cable. Through the umbilical cable, the placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to an establishing child. It likewise eliminates waste from the child’s blood.
The placenta is connected to the wall of the uterus. Usually, it connects to the top, side, front or back of the uterus. Hardly ever, it may connect in the lower location of the uterus. When this occurs, the placenta might obstruct the passage that links the uterus to the vaginal area, called the cervix. If the placenta is near the opening of the cervix, it’s called a low-lying placenta. If it partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix, it triggers a condition called placenta previa.
What impacts the health of the placenta?
Numerous aspects can impact the health of the placenta, consisting of:
- Age of the pregnant individual. Some conditions that impact the placenta are more typical in older individuals, specifically after age 40.
- Water breaking before labor. Throughout pregnancy, the establishing infant is surrounded and cushioned by a fluid-filled layer of tissue called the amniotic sac. If the sac leakages or breaks before labor starts, it’s referred to as the water breaking. This raises the danger of issues with the placenta.
- Hypertension. This condition can trigger less blood to reach the placenta.
- Being pregnant with twins or other multiples. Being pregnant with more than one infant may raise the danger of some conditions associated with the placenta.
- Blood-clotting conditions. Normally, blood solidifies into a clump to assist manage bleeding from cuts. This procedure is called clotting. Often, embolism form inside the body and result in medical issues. Conditions that trigger blood to thicken insufficient or excessive raise the danger of some conditions associated with the placenta.
- Previous surgical treatment on the uterus. C-section, surgical treatment to get rid of growths called fibroids and other uterine surgical treatments raise the danger of some conditions that impact the placenta.
- Previous conditions that impacted the placenta. The threat of having medical problems with the placenta may be greater if you had issues with the placenta throughout a previous pregnancy.
- Compound usage. Some conditions that can impact the placenta are more typical in pregnant individuals who smoke or utilize drug.
- Injury to the stomach location. A blow to the stomach location makes the placenta most likely to separate from the uterus prematurely.