The placenta is a unique and extremely important organ for the normal course of pregnancy, which allows the transport of nutrients, vitamins from mother to baby. It is from this organ that the viability of the fetus largely depends. Therefore, it is almost impossible to overestimate the placenta.
It is safe to say that the placenta is an organ that helps maintain normal
fetal development throughout the nine months
. In appearance, the placenta resembles a round disc. On one side it is turned to the fetus, and the second to the mother’s uterus. The umbilical cord departs from the fruit side of this peculiar barrier. The size of the mature placenta is normal - from 15 to 25 cm in diameter. The thickness of the organ is approximately 2 cm.
The placenta is located directly in the uterus, usually in the mucosa of the posterior wall. But for various reasons, it can be located in the front and at the bottom, sometimes even blocking the child's exit. Such an incorrect position (especially when the placenta is low) can have a very negative effect on natural fertility. That is why doctors prescribe a planned caesarean section in such situations .
But if such a diagnosis was made during the examination in the first semester, then you can not worry. The placenta is a rapidly developing organ. It grows and changes throughout the entire period of gestation and, most likely, no one will remember this diagnosis in the third semester. The structure of the placenta is lobed. Each such “lobule” is called cotyledon. They are separated by partitions - septa. Part of the placenta facing the fetus is additionally coated with amnion. Also, an umbilical cord is formed on this part. This cord-like formation connects the placenta with the fetus. Three large blood vessels are located in the umbilical cord, and a specially developed substance completely envelops these vessels, protecting them from mechanical damage.
It is also important that the placenta is a multifunctional organ. Its main function, of course, is to ensure the full delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the baby. This is what primarily ensures the normal development of the fetus. The placenta is also responsible for the production of certain specific hormones. They are necessary to maintain pregnancy. These are
chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone. Another important function is protective. The placenta is a kind of barrier, through it is strictly selective penetration of substances. But for a number of reasons this function is violated, and various harmful substances that can cause harm can still get to the child. That is why it is so important that the expectant mother lead a healthy lifestyle. The placenta helps the baby acquire natural innate immunity.
To learn about the condition of the placenta helps ultrasound. He is scheduled every trimester. During the examination, the degree of the placenta is revealed. In total, 4 degrees are known (0,1,2,3), each characteristic for a certain period of pregnancy. If the organ matures faster than the due date, then they talk about the aging of the placenta.