The placenta

The placenta is a wondrous thing. In your belly, it supplies your unborn baby for nine months. It is the only organ that is rejected by the body after its use. At the same time, this is the reason why it is the least studied organ by science: shortly after birth, the placenta loses its function, and to avoid endangering the unborn child, more extensive research during pregnancy is avoided. In this article, we will give you an insight into the information known about the placenta. You will learn what the placenta actually is, how it forms, what happens to it after birth, and what complications related to the placenta can occur.

What is the placenta?

The term placenta comes from Latin and means "cake." Hence the term Mother's cake . After implantation of the fertilized egg, the placenta develops from both embryonic cells and maternal cells of the uterine lining. It consists of a network of fine blood vessels surrounded by soft connective tissue and grows in parallel with the enlarging embryo into a disc-shaped organ. This remains attached until the end of pregnancy. Uterine wall – either on the back wall or the front wall. Both are completely normal. It may simply be that you only feel your baby's movements later in the pregnancy if the placenta is located on the front wall. Usually, the placenta is about at the end of pregnancy 3 centimeters long, has a diameter of about 20 centimeters, and weighs 500 grams .

What is the function of the placenta?

The main function of the placenta is the Care of the growing child with oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, and water from the maternal blood. The embryo is connected via the umbilical cord connected to the placenta. In the other direction, carbon dioxide and waste products are removed from the child's blood into the maternal bloodstream. In the placenta, blood of the mother and blood of the child flow, but do not mix. The two circulatory systems are separated by the so-called placental barrier, which also functions as a kind of filter. This protects the unborn child, for example, from viruses and bacteria. However, the membrane is not impermeable to all substances, so alcohol, nicotine, and some medications can pass through freely and harm the baby.

When and how does a woman expel the placenta?

Usually, it occurs approximately ten to fifteen minutes after the actual birth the child to one or two strongs Afterbirth contractions , through which the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and, together with the rest of the cut umbilical cord, is expelled through the birth canal. Since the birth process is physiologically only complete with the afterbirth, midwives traditionally congratulate the new mother only then. The midwife also checks whether the placenta is complete. Remaining parts of it stay in the uterus , med. placental retention, can lead to heavy bleeding that may require a curettage, also known as curettage or scraping in medical terminology.

Customs surrounding the placenta

In most Maternity Hospitals The placenta is disposed of via the hospital incineration plant after expulsion. properly disposed . Of course, all necessary examinations on the organ will be carried out beforehand. If you do not want your placenta to be disposed of, it is best to inform your caregiver before the birth. Midwife Understood. Besides disposal, there are numerous customs surrounding the placenta and what happens to it after birth.

1. Lotus Birth

In a lotus birth, do not cut the umbilical cord after birth , so that the baby and the placenta remain connected until the umbilical cord naturally falls off after a few days. To prevent the placenta from starting to decay, it must be preserved, for example by storing it in a small bag with edible salt. For a pleasant scent, essential oils and dried herbs can also be added. Advocates of the Lotus Birth find that the natural detachment of the umbilical cord is less traumatic for the baby (and also for the parents) than artificial clamping. Additionally, about a quarter of the baby's blood is in the umbilical cord and placenta at birth, so a Lotus Birth is believed to protect the baby from blood loss.

However, the blood supply to the placenta for the baby ceases within a few minutes after birth. Additionally, the method carries a certain risk Risk of infection , which is why most clinics do not offer it due to the increased microbial density present there. If you decide on this type of delivery, be sure to get advice from an expert in the field. experienced midwife accompany.

2. Eating placenta

Due to the numerous contained Nutrients a special healing power is attributed to the placenta, which is why some mothers take a piece of it after childbirth consume raw or in other forms . There are all kinds of recommendations circulating on the internet—from smoothies to lasagna, from serious to bizarre. Eating the placenta – a pun not intended ;) – should Postpartum depression prevent, stimulate milk production, the Postnatal recovery support and relieve pain. However, there are currently no studies that scientifically prove these effects.

In fact, many mammals, such as cats or goats, eat their placenta after giving birth to their young. Critics of the so-called placentophagy in humans argue that the reasons for consuming it in the animal kingdom are quite different: it is suspected that the animals need the nutrients contained in the placenta because, weakened by birth, they would be unable to find food elsewhere. Additionally, by removing the organ, they prevent the smell of decay from attracting predators. Finally, critics point out that animal placentas are often structured differently than human ones, making analogies problematic. Since the placenta acts as a kind of filter, it also contains various toxins, such as high concentrations of heavy metals. This is not only unhealthy for the mother, but the toxins can also be transferred to the baby through breast milk, even though the organ should originally keep them away from the infant. If you are still interested in placentophagy, it is best to consult your doctor to avoid any health risks.

3. Have placental doses or globules made from placenta

Nosodes are homeopathic remedies, their starting material is "pathological" material or body-derived components. They are taken in the form of globules. To produce placental nosodes, a piece about the size of a bean is cut out of the organ and placed in a vial with a special solution. You can obtain this at pharmacies that offer the production of nosodes. Afterwards, you either return it there or send it in and receive the finished globules back.

The medicines are attributed with numerous effects: after birth, they are said to promote a faster postpartum recovery, stimulate milk production, later support the , alleviate menstrual discomfort, and later in life, provide relief from menopausal issues. When used on the child, the nosodes are supposed to and support children’s illnesses and infections. But other family members are also supposedly helped by the globuli with skin conditions, allergies, migraines, or respiratory problems. However, there is no scientific evidence for any of these effects.

If you're interested, it's best to contact a homeopath or your midwife. The cost of production is covered by about 100 euros.

4. Tree for Birth

The placenta is also called because of its appearance – the surface consists of numerous branching structures. Tree of Life is called. Therefore, the custom of burying the placenta and planting a tree on top of it seems almost obvious. Some parents like the symbolism that new life grows from the organ that accompanied their child into life after birth.

5. Placenta Image

If you want to keep a visual memory of your placenta, you can, for example, take a photograph of it. Not only many midwives, but also some mothers are fascinated by the appearance of this wondrous organ. A somewhat more abstract keepsake can be a Placenta print be. For this, the placenta is pressed onto a piece of paper shortly after birth. If that's too bloody for you, you can also wash (or have it washed) and use paint for the imprint.

6. Placenta Cosmetics

This form of use is admittedly a bit outdated, as it was especially popular in the 1980s: cosmetics containing components from placentas. The growth hormones contained therein were attributed a skin-rejuvenating effect believed to be the reason why they were mainly included in facial creams and masks. Even though the trend declined with the discovery of the HIV virus, such cosmetics are still available on the market. However, their effectiveness is not scientifically proven .

7. Donate to research

You want to give your placenta a second purpose after birth but prefer to stay away from it yourself? Then you can also donate the organ to research. In pharmaceutical research, placentas are used for example to Development of medications used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. For this, the substances are extracted from the placenta that prevent the body from rejecting the baby as a foreign object. If you give birth in a hospital, you may already be asked whether you would like to donate your placenta. In a Birth house or at a home birth probably have to organize the donation yourself.

The topic of "placenta" and what happens to it after birth polarizes like probably no other. What some find repulsive, is for others a symbolic or empowering ritual. In the end, the main thing is that it feels right for you. You should not force yourself into anything because of a supposed effect if you feel aversion. Also, do not hesitate to talk to your midwife about the topic.

What complications can occur regarding the placenta?

• Placenta previa: Sometimes the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus, covering the cervix (medical placenta previa). If this is the case, a vaginal birth is not possible and a Cesarean section necessary.

• Placental insufficiency : In about two to five percent of all pregnant women, there is insufficient or no supply of nutrients and oxygen via the placenta. A so-called placental insufficiency can, in the worst case, be life-threatening for the unborn child and necessitate an emergency cesarean section.

• Calcification: That the placenta begins to calcify towards the end of pregnancy is not necessarily a cause for concern. It is a completely normal sign of aging, after all, the organ is only designed for a limited period of use. However, smoking, alcohol consumption, illnesses, or simply genetic predisposition can lead to more extensive calcification of the placenta and at an earlier stage of pregnancy. Severe calcifications can result in placental insufficiency, which requires appropriate measures.

• Preterm placental abruption: Although very rare, it can happen that the placenta detaches during pregnancy, for example caused by a fall. Depending on the size of the detachment site, this may be a life-threatening complication for mother and child, which may lead to an emergency cesarean section.

Even if complications cannot be completely ruled out, you don't need to worry unnecessarily. Your doctor will regularly check the function and condition of your placenta during prenatal examinations. Your placenta does an amazing job and usually provides your baby with everything it needs without any problems.

We wish you a smooth pregnancy! :)