What is the placenta, and how does it work?

The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. This structure provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby's blood.

What does the placenta do?

It is an organ in the uterus that forms during pregnancy. The placenta enables your unborn child to breathe properly and receive nutrition and oxygen. How does the placenta work? The placenta produces hormones and increases the supply of nutrients. In addition, the placenta makes more blood vessels for the baby to grow and more hormones to increase the baby's blood volume.

In the first two months of pregnancy, the placenta is located in the lower abdomen and surrounds your baby's heart and head. It grows to an estimated 14 pounds by the end of the second trimester. After that, the placenta moves to the uterus, which will be your home for the next nine months.

What can I do to keep my placenta healthy?

Exercise- Studies have shown that moderate exercise improves blood flow and increases the oxygen content of blood. It also has been shown to increase the efficiency of the placenta. So keep moving!

Avoid spicy foods - The spicy taste can alter the flow of blood in your uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Try to eat and drink light and non-spicy foods.

Stay in your comfort zone - Avoid any physical activities that cause you to get overheated or too hot . Heat is an enemy of your baby.

The placenta's role in the pregnancy

The placenta has been referred to as an "organ of mystery" and "the unborn baby's lifeline".

The development of the placenta

In the first weeks of pregnancy, an area known as the blastocyst implants itself into the wall of your uterus. This is where your baby will grow and develop.

How is the placenta linked to the mother

The placenta is linked to the mother through the uterine wall and the umbilical cord connects the placenta to the fetus. It facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother's and the baby's bloodstreams. However, it is not a complete barrier, and some harmful substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and certain medicines, can pass through and affect the baby. The placenta transports oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood to the fetus.

The function of the placenta

This organ will play a major role during your pregnancy as it develops in your uterus. The placenta serves three main functions: 1) It allows the exchange of nutrients, gases and wastes between the mother and her baby.

The function of the placenta during birth

Most of the work done by the placenta during birth is done in the last month of pregnancy. This makes it important for you to plan for childbirth. As your baby grows, its head and shoulders need more space.