A placenta is a special temporary organ that’s created to protect your baby. It develops right from the blastocyst immediately after conception. It not only protects your baby, but it provides nourishment and air through the umbilical cord. It’s comprised of a network of tiny blood vessels that give it a deep, crimson appearance. These vessels connect to the baby’s bloodstream through the umbilical cord to sustain life.
If cared for, your placenta will produce enough hormones to nourish your baby and ensure normal growth. The following information explains the role and function of your placenta throughout your pregnancy.
Role of the Placenta
Since babies are carried up to nine months, there is a strong need for a good placenta. Not only does it provide vital nutrients to your unborn baby but it serves as a moderator for gas and waste excretion to guard against toxins.
Impact of the Placenta on Hormones
During your first trimester, your corpus luteum has control over hormone production. During these first 12 weeks, you may experience some vomiting or fatigue. These symptoms are normal but will fade once the placenta forms and takes over hormone regulation.
What Hormones Are Produced?
Your placenta produces three critical hormones that are vital for you and your baby. These hormones are lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone. All of them act together to form new blood vessels and regulate milk production during the second trimester. Your placenta can use these hormones to nourish your baby and help it grow at a normal pace.
Immune Protection
If you’re worried about viruses, don’t be. A healthy placenta helps produce a healthy baby by transferring antibodies before and after birth. In fact, it’s safe to say that your newborn will be given all the ammo needed to fight infection during the first year of life.
What You Can Do
You should get regular health checkups during your pregnancy. Your health care provider can check your placenta using an ultrasound and catch any problems early on. They can walk you through the process and advise you on your next steps.
Your placenta gives your baby everything it needs during those critical months. With enough information, you can take the right steps towards a safe a successful delivery.
