What Is The Role of Placenta in Pregnancy and Baby’s Growth?

What Is The Role Of Placenta? This is a very important question for anyone who is pregnant or planning to become a parent. The placenta is an organ that grows inside the mother’s womb and it helps the baby to grow. It connects the mother and baby and also passes nutrients, oxygen, and removes waste. Placenta plays a very big role to keep the mother and baby healthy.

At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) with more than 35 years of experience, always helps parents through their pregnancy journey. We know how important it is to give the right knowledge at the right time. In this blog, we will tell you everything about the placenta. We will also include what it does, why it’s needed, and how it affects the baby’s growth.

What is the Placenta?

The placenta is a special organ that forms inside a woman’s womb during pregnancy. It starts to grow soon after the baby begins to develop and stays there until the baby is born. But what is the role of placenta? The placenta acts like a bridge between the mother and the baby. It connects to the baby through the umbilical cord and helps the baby to get everything it needs to grow healthy.

This organ gives the baby oxygen to breathe, nutrients to grow, and also removes waste from the baby’s body. It also makes hormones that help the pregnancy to continue in a smooth way. Even though the placenta is not a part of the baby’s body, it plays one of the most important roles during the entire pregnancy. Additionally, without it, the baby cannot grow properly inside the womb.

Types of Placenta

The placenta can attach itself to the uterus in different ways. These different positions or types are all normal in most cases. However, sometimes doctors monitor closely to see if the placenta is not in the right place. Now, let’s understand the common types of placenta:

Anterior Placenta

In this type, the placenta is attached to the front wall of the uterus. It’s very common and usually not a problem. Benefits of anterior placenta include extra cushioning for the baby, which helps protect it from outside pressure or sudden movements. However, sometimes it may make it harder to feel the baby’s kicks early.

Posterior Placenta

Here, the placenta is on the back wall of the uterus and is closer to the mother’s spine. This is also a normal and healthy placenta structure and often makes it easier to feel the baby’s movements.

Fundal Placenta

In this case, the placenta is at the top of the uterus. This is also a safe and healthy location and usually causes no issues during pregnancy.

Low-Lying Placenta (or Placenta Previa)

This means the placenta is sitting low in the uterus and may cover part or all of the cervix. In early pregnancy, this can be normal. However, if it stays low later on then it may cause issues during delivery.

Lateral Placenta

In this type, the placenta attaches to the left or right side of the uterus. It’s still a normal position and usually doesn’t cause any issue unless other issues are there.

Each of these types is checked during routine ultrasound scans. Most of the time, the placenta position is not an issue. But if needed, your doctor will guide you carefully to keep you and your baby safe.

Why Is the Placenta Important During Pregnancy?

The placenta plays a very big role to keep the baby healthy and safe in pregnancy. It connects the mother and baby and makes sure the baby gets everything it needs to grow well. But what is the role of placenta? Without the placenta, the baby would not be able to survive inside the womb. Here are the main reasons why the placenta is so important:

It gives oxygen and nutrients to the baby from the mother’s blood.
It removes waste products like carbon dioxide from the baby’s body.
Placenta produces hormones that support the pregnancy and help the baby to grow.
It protects the baby from some infections and harmful substances.
It transfers antibodies from mother to baby to build early immunity.
Placenta helps the baby’s organs to develop in a healthy way.

How Does the Placenta Work?

What is the role of placenta? The placenta works like a lifeline between the mother and the baby. It takes oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood and passes them to the baby through the umbilical cord. At the same time, it also removes waste from the baby’s body and sends it back to the mother so her body can get rid of it.

The placenta also makes important hormones that help the baby grow and keep the pregnancy healthy. It acts like a filter, which protects the baby from some infections and harmful substances. In short, the placenta works quietly but plays a very big role in keeping the baby safe and strong.

Functions of the Placenta

The placenta is an important organ that supports the baby throughout pregnancy. It does many important tasks that ensure the baby stays healthy and grows properly inside the womb. But what is the role of placenta? Here are the main functions of the placenta:

It transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby.
It removes waste products like carbon dioxide from the baby’s body.
Placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow and support the pregnancy.
It acts as a barrier and protects the baby from some infections and harmful substances.
It transfers antibodies from the mother to the baby and helps to build early immunity.
Placenta helps with the baby’s organ development and overall growth.

What Happens If the Placenta Doesn’t Work Properly?

If the placenta isn’t working well then it can affect the health of both the mother and the baby. Since the placenta is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby then any problem can cause serious problems.

Some common problems with the placenta include:

Placenta Previa: When the placenta is too low in the uterus and covers the cervix then it can cause bleeding and problems during delivery.

Placental Abruption: When the placenta separates from the uterus too early then it can cause bleeding and reduce oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

Placenta Insufficiency: When the placenta isn’t getting enough blood then it may not be able to support the baby’s growth properly.

How Do Doctors Check Placenta Health?

Doctors check the health of the placenta by using different methods to make sure the mother and the baby are healthy. These check ups help to identify any problems and to take any action if necessary.

Ultrasound: This safe imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the womb. It shows where the placenta is located and how well it’s working.
Doppler Flow Study: This special ultrasound test looks at the blood flow through the placenta and the umbilical cord. It helps the doctors to see if the baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
Blood Tests: Sometimes, blood tests are done to check the mother’s health. It also identifies any signs of infection or other issues that might affect the functioning of the function.
Monitoring Baby’s Movements: Doctors may also track the baby’s movements and heart rate. Especially if there are issues with the placenta’s health.
Physical Checkups: Regular checkups throughout pregnancy helps the doctor to monitor the mother’s health. It also checks for any unusual symptoms to ensure everything is going smoothly.

Tips to Keep the Placenta Healthy

It’s very important to take care of your and your baby’s health during pregnancy. We already know what is the role of placenta. So, let’s look at some of the tips to keep the placenta healthy:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These will provide nutrients for your placenta and your baby.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your blood flow healthy and help the placenta work efficiently. This will make sure that the baby is getting all the nutrients and oxygen.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the placenta and harm the baby. So, avoid smoking to keep the placenta and the pregnancy healthy.
Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect the placenta and the baby. So, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely if you are pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins: Prenatal vitamins like folic acid helps to support the placenta’s function and helps the baby to develop in a healthy way.
Do Light Exercise: Light and moderate exercise, like walking, helps to improve the blood flow. However, it’s important to always talk to your doctor before following any new exercise.
Regular Checkups: Regular visits to your doctor will help to ensure that the placenta is working well and that there are no problems.
Reduce Stress: Take some time to relax and get enough sleep to keep your body and placenta in good shape.
Avoid Heavy Activities: Stay away from activities that could cause injury to your abdomen.

Final Words

If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant then it’s important to understand what is the role of placenta and how it supports you and your baby. In this blog, we’ve covered the importance of placenta health and shared some tips on how to keep it functioning properly. We also discussed common placenta problems and how doctors monitor its health throughout the pregnancy.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Obs & Gynae) has helped many women through their pregnancy. If you have any questions or need advice during your pregnancy, our team is always here to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out by calling us at 95555 44421/22/23 or emailing us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to move placenta up naturally?

There’s no proven method to move the placenta, but it may shift naturally as the pregnancy progresses. Following your doctor’s advice can support overall health.

What should I eat if my placenta is low-lying?

Focus on iron-rich foods, protein, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support your health and pregnancy, with guidance from your doctor.

How long to wait if baby is not moving?

If there’s a significant decrease in movements or no movement for several hours, contact your healthcare provider immediately to ensure the baby is healthy.

What is the best position for the placenta?

The ideal position is in the upper uterus, away from the cervix. Anterior or posterior placental positions are normal, and doctors monitor for any concerns.