Contents
Formation and weight of the human placenta
How is the placenta formed?
From the first days of pregnancy, when the egg divides and reaches a hundred cells, it becomes a blastocyte. At this stage, we observe a separation between the future embryo on one side and its appendages on the other: the cord, the membranes of the amniotic pouch and the trophoblast. It is this trophoblast that will transform into a placenta. Fully formed in the 5th month, it will then gain weight to eventually reach a weight of 500-600 grams.
What does a placenta look like?
The placenta is a kind of thick disc that is 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter. It is red and fleshy on one side and appears “raw” (the side anchored to the uterus), while the other side is covered with a translucent film (the amniotic membrane) to which the umbilical cord of the uterus is attached. baby. Most often, when the baby is born, the midwife offers to see him.
What is the placenta used for?
Throughout pregnancy, the placenta acts as an “airlock”. It’s kind of exchange platform between mother and baby, without their respective bloods ever communicating. This is where, thanks to its cord, the fetus draws the nutrients and oxygen carried by the maternal blood. The placenta also acts as a protective barrier. It filters out some bacteria, parasites or drugs (but not all). On the other hand, viruses (HIV, hepatitis B, etc.) pass through the placenta.
Made up of the same genetic heritage as the baby, the placenta provides information on possible chromosomal and / or genetic abnormalities. The exam that gives access to this information is called a ” trophoblaste biopsy Or “chorionic villus sampling” and represents an alternative to amniocentesis. It is performed fairly early, around two months of pregnancy, and consists of removing a fragment of the placenta. It is mainly offered in families with genetic diseases. The results are quickly obtained. But the examination carries a risk of miscarriage of about 1 to 2% (for an amniocentesis, the risk oscillates between 0,5 and 1%).
Can there be complications?
A detachment of the placenta
In early pregnancy, the placenta may peel off slightly. This causes very impressive bleeding. Fortunately, these hemorrhages are not serious as long as there are no contractions and the embryo continues to develop. Most often in the event of placental abruption, the doctor advises the mother-to-be to rest until everything is back to normal.
Praevia or accreta: a bad position of the placenta
Late in the second trimester or in the third trimester, ultrasound or bleeding can also alert you to a poor position of the placenta. Normally, as the uterus grows, the placenta moves upward. Some stay down (placenta prævia) and sometimes cover the cervix, partially or totally. In late pregnancy, when the uterus grows, the placenta may move away from the cervix. As childbirth approaches, the mother-to-be is more closely monitored because the bleeding can be significant. On D-Day, the location of the placenta determines if a cesarean section is necessary or if a vaginal birth is possible.
Note that it also happens, rarely, that the placenta is implanted poorly. Instead of being only attached to the lining of the uterus (or endometrium), the placenta sits too deep. We then speak of placenta accreta, even of placenta increta when it is fully inserted into that muscle, or placenta percreta when it “spills over” beyond the myometrium to other organs.
A retroplacental hematoma
Rarer finally, certain complications can occur at the end of pregnancy and cause a hematoma at the placental level, which interrupts the growth of the baby. This phenomenon most often accompanies an attack of eclampsia, announced by arterial hypertension and significant edema.
Increased post-term surveillance
When the pregnancy goes beyond term, fetal surveillance increases. The expectant mother must go to the maternity ward every day to ensure the health of the baby. These precautions are put in place because the placenta ages and there comes a time when it no longer performs its nourishing function. If the monitoring of the baby shows that he is less well, this leads to the medical induction of the birth.
Where does the placenta go after childbirth?
Just a few minutes after childbirth, the contractions of the uterus resume. They allow the placenta to peel off, this is the stage of delivery. When the placenta is completely detached, you only need to push once for it to come out very easily. At this point, the midwife examines it carefully to check that it is whole. This is because if some pieces are stuck to the uterus, this prevents the small vessels in the uterus from closing and may cause bleeding. The placenta then joins the hospital waste which will be incinerated.
Placentophagy: why eat your placenta?
In recent years, we have witnessed a new trend from the United States: eating your placenta. According to what some say, this organ contains powerful vitamins that would notably facilitate the aftermath of childbirth, reduce post-partum depression, and promote the establishment of the mother-child bond. The placenta could also be used as a beauty product. But no scientific study has yet proven these virtues. And the preservation of the placenta is in theory strictly prohibited in France.