10 Facts About the Placenta

1. The placenta is the only temporary organ in the human body, forming during pregnancy and expelled after childbirth.

2. The placenta is sometimes referred to as the "tree of life" because of its role in providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.

3. The placenta is made up of both maternal and fetal tissue, with the maternal side attached to the uterine wall and the fetal side attached to the umbilical cord.

4. The placenta acts as a barrier between the maternal and fetal blood supplies, preventing the mixing of blood types and allowing for the exchange of nutrients and waste products.

5. The placenta can weigh up to 1-2 pounds and is typically round or oval in shape.

6. The placenta is rich in stem cells, which have the potential to differentiate into various cell types and may have therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.

7. Some cultures have special rituals or traditions surrounding the placenta, such as burying it in a special location or consuming it for its perceived health benefits.

8. Placentophagy, or the practice of consuming the placenta, is believed by some to have benefits such as increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced breastfeeding.

9. The placenta produces hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to support the pregnancy and regulate maternal and fetal development.

10. The placenta can be expelled from the uterus using expectant (physiological) management or active management of the placenta.