If you’re pregnant, you might wonder what the placenta does and what factors can affect it.
Get the facts about this important organ that joins the mother and baby.
The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy.
This structure provides oxygen and nutrients to a growing baby.
It also removes waste products from the baby’s blood.
The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus, and the baby’s umbilical cord arises from it.
The organ is usually attached to the top, side, front or back of the uterus.
In rare cases, the placenta might attach in the lower area of the uterus.
When this happens, it’s called a low-lying placenta (placenta previa).
Various factors can affect the health of the placenta during pregnancy.
For example:
During pregnancy, possible placental problems include placental abruption, placenta previa and placenta accreta.
After delivery, retained placenta is sometimes a concern.
This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause you to bleed heavily.
Placenta abruption could result in an emergency situation requiring early delivery.
Placenta previa.This condition triggers when the placenta partially or totally covers the cervixthe outlet for the uterus.
Placenta previa is more common early in pregnancy and might resolve as the uterus grows.
Placenta previa can cause severe vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or delivery.
If placenta previa persists late in the third trimester, your health care provider will recommend a C-section.
Placenta accreta.Typically, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall after childbirth.
With placenta accreta, part or all of the placenta remains firmly attached to the uterus.
This can cause severe blood loss during delivery.
In aggressive cases, the placenta invades the muscles of the uterus or grows through the uterine wall.
Your health care provider will likely recommend a C-section followed by removal of your uterus.
Left untreated, a retained placenta can cause severe infection or life-threatening blood loss.
Consult your health care provider during pregnancy if you have:
Most placental problems can’t be directly prevented.
Also tell your health care provider if you’ve had surgery on your uterus in the past.
Expect your health care provider to monitor your condition closely throughout the pregnancy.
After you give birth, you’ll continue to have mild contractions.
You might be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta.
Your health care provider will examine the placenta to double-check it’s intact.
Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection.
If you’re interested, ask to see the placenta.
In some cultures, families bury the placenta in a special place, such as their backyards.
If you have questions about the placenta or placental problems during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider.
He or she can help you better understand the placenta’s role during your pregnancy.
Updated: 4/13/2022
Publication Date: 3/28/2012
