What is the Placenta? The placenta is a vital structure that develops during pregnancy and emerges as a temporary organ within the uterus. Attached to the uterine wall, the placenta meets the baby's needs through the umbilical cord, which carries nutrients and oxygen to the baby. Ensuring healthy placental function is crucial for both mother and baby, as any disruption to its functions can have serious and life-threatening consequences. Therefore, the placenta's role in pregnancy is extremely critical.

What is Placenta?

The placenta is the tissue that forms within the uterus during pregnancy and connects the mother's uterus to the baby's umbilical cord. It also carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. The placenta, which supports fetal development, forms from the beginning of pregnancy and plays a vital role in the baby's growth. The primary functions of the placenta are:

• Providing oxygen and nutrients: The placenta allows oxygen and nutrients to pass from the mother's blood to the baby, supporting the baby's healthy development and growth.
• Clearing waste products: The placenta removes the baby's harmful waste products and carbon dioxide from the body by transferring them to the mother's blood.
• Hormone production: The placenta produces various hormones throughout pregnancy. These hormones regulate changes in the mother's body and help the pregnancy progress normally.
• Immune transfer: The mother transfers immune factors to her baby through the placenta. This helps the baby's immune system become more protected in the first period after birth.
• Development and protection: The placenta contributes to the healthy development of the baby and provides a kind of protection against external factors.

What Does the Placenta Do During Pregnancy?

The placenta, which develops throughout pregnancy, connects to the baby via the umbilical cord, ensuring the flow of oxygen and nutrients. This plays a critical role in the baby's healthy development and vitality. The placenta also filters harmful waste products and carbon dioxide from the baby's blood, regulating blood circulation between mother and baby without interfering with each other. Until birth, it performs functions such as the baby's lungs, kidneys, and liver. It contributes to the production of antibodies to support the baby's immune system before birth.

In addition to providing nutrition, the placenta produces important hormones during pregnancy, such as lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone. These hormones provide significant benefits for both mother and baby.

When does the placenta form?

The placenta begins developing approximately 7-10 days after the egg is fertilized in the uterus. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta grows in parallel to the baby's growth and development. Therefore, starting at the cellular level, the placenta can grow up to several centimeters in length later in pregnancy.

Factors Affecting Placental Health

There are several factors that can affect the health of the placenta during pregnancy. These factors may include:

• Mother's age: Especially in expectant mothers aged 40 and over, some problems with the placenta may be more common and the risk may increase.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) can negatively affect the health of the placenta and lead to complications.
• Multiple pregnancy: In mothers carrying twins or more babies, the health of the placenta may be at greater risk and problems may arise.
• Blood clotting disorders: Diseases that cause blood clotting problems can affect placental health, leading to pregnancy complications.
• Uterine health: Uterine conditions such as previous hysterectomy or fibroid removal can put placental health at risk and predispose to problems.
• Smoking and substance use: Smoking or substance use by the expectant mother may negatively affect placental functions.
• Diabetes: If the mother has diabetes, the risk of placental health and pregnancy complications may increase.
• Nutrition and stress: Inadequate nutrition, irregular eating habits, or excessive stress can affect placental health.
• Infections: If the expectant mother carries certain infections, the health of the placenta may be at risk.

Each of these factors can affect the health of the placenta and pose risks to both mother and baby. Therefore, regular checkups, a healthy lifestyle, and a good diet are essential for a healthy pregnancy.

A Placenta-Like Organ

The placenta can be defined as a tissue densely packed with blood vessels. This organ can have a complex structure and a bumpy surface. At birth, it usually appears dark red. The tissue of a developed and mature placenta consists largely of blood vessels, which carry nutrients and oxygen.

Problems that may occur with the placenta

Complications related to placental health pose risks to both mother and baby. Placental-related problems and complications may include:

• Placenta previa : Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta completely or partially covers the cervix. This condition is sometimes called a "low-lying placenta."
• Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta is a condition in which the placenta attaches too tightly to the uterine wall.
• Placental abruption: Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates prematurely or completely from the uterine wall. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
• Placental insufficiency : Placental insufficiency is a condition in which the placenta cannot provide adequate nutrients and oxygen. It can pose a risk to the baby.
• Retained placenta: A condition in which a portion of the placenta remains in the uterus after pregnancy.

What are the most common symptoms of placenta problems?

When problems with the placenta occur, the following symptoms may be particularly noticeable:

• Vaginal bleeding: Placental problems can often manifest as vaginal bleeding. However, bleeding may not occur in all cases.
• Abdominal and back pain: You may experience pain in the abdominal or back area associated with placental problems.
• Uterine contractions: Abnormal contractions or a feeling of discomfort in the uterus may be experienced.

These symptoms could be signs of problems with the health of the placenta. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare professional immediately.

Treatment Methods for Placental Problems

Treatment for placental problems may vary depending on the severity of the individual's condition and the progress of the pregnancy. The following treatment methods may be used, taking into consideration the health of both the baby and the expectant mother:

• Frequent ultrasounds: Frequent ultrasounds may be performed to monitor placental problems. They provide information about the baby's condition and the position of the placenta.
• Prenatal follow-up: Mother and baby are monitored regularly. Frequent doctor visits may be scheduled if necessary.
• Early delivery or labor induction: When placental problems are serious, early delivery or labor induction (starting labor) may be considered. This may be necessary to protect the baby's health.
• Recommendations to prevent bleeding: To prevent bleeding, heavy exercises should be avoided and bed rest can be done.
• Rest and relaxation: The expectant mother may be advised to take bed rest and rest. This can help prevent further placental problems.
• Cesarean section: When placental problems become a risk, a cesarean section may be preferred over vaginal delivery. This may be a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safe birth of the baby.

It's important to remember that every placental condition is different, and the treatment approach is based on an individualized assessment. Therefore, it's best to follow your doctor's advice.

Placental Procedures After the Baby is Born

After the baby is born, the placenta is often delivered during what is called the third stage and is the final stage of the labor process. How the placenta is handled during this stage may vary depending on the policies and practices of the hospital or birth center. Generally, the following steps are followed:

• Placental separation: After the baby is born, the doctor or midwife expects the placenta to separate from the uterine wall. This usually occurs within a few minutes after birth.
• Checkup and evaluation: The placenta is carefully examined after birth to check for any abnormalities. It is ensured that the placenta is completely delivered.
• Placenta processing or disposal: How the placenta is processed or disposed of depends on hospital policies. In many hospitals, placentas are considered medical waste and are processed or disposed of through medical waste management procedures. In some cultures, placentas are ritually buried or handled in a special way.
• Cord clamping and care: After the placenta is separated, the baby's umbilical cord is clamped. The baby's umbilical cord is cared for, and cord blood is stored if necessary.
• Maternal needs: The focus is on the mother's postpartum needs. Postpartum care and monitoring processes are initiated.

After the baby is born, placental management can vary depending on medical and hospital policies. Communicating with your healthcare team about your birth plan and expectations can help you learn more about placental procedures.