WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Placenta Power

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Placenta Power
The Miracle Unveiled
The placenta is not just an organ; it's a lifeline for your baby.
It's essential for nutrient transfer, waste removal, and oxygen supply during pregnancy.
This unique organ forms a critical bridge between you and your baby, ensuring that your little one receives everything needed for healthy growth and development.
Anatomy and Function
The placenta's structure is as fascinating as its function.
It attaches to the uterine wall and connects to your baby via the umbilical cord.
This organ is composed of villi, tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area for efficient nutrient and gas exchange.
It acts as a respiratory, nutritive, and endocrine organ, producing essential hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Formation and Development
The journey of the placenta begins at conception.
Around the 3rd week, cells called trophoblasts start to form the early placenta.
By the end of the first trimester, it's fully functional.
Key milestones include:
  • Week 3-4: Initiation of placental development.
  • Week 8-12: Establishment of blood flow between you and your baby.
  • Week 12 onwards: Rapid growth and maturation, aligning with your baby's increasing demands.
Critical Roles in Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, the placenta plays several critical roles:
  • Oxygen and Nutrient Supply: It ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
  • Waste Removal: Carbon dioxide and other waste products are transferred from your baby's blood to yours, keeping the baby's environment clean.
  • Immune Protection: The placenta acts as a barrier, protecting your baby from most bacteria, though not from all viruses.
  • Hormone Production: It produces hormones that are vital for maintaining pregnancy and preparing your breasts for lactation.
Common Variations and Conditions
While the placenta usually functions smoothly, variations and conditions can occur, such as:
  • Placenta Previa: Where the placenta covers the cervical opening.
  • Placental Abruption: The premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall.
  • Placental Insufficiency: Reduced placental function, impacting the baby's growth.
Fascinating Facts
  • The placenta is the only temporary organ formed by the human body.
  • It's sometimes called the "third lung" for its role in oxygen transfer.
  • The placenta's genetic makeup is unique, being a combination of both maternal and fetal genes.
Keep learning
What to Know About Placenta Previa
2 min read
What is an anterior placenta?
2 min read
From Birth to Art: Placenta Possibilities
3 min read
M
Marnese’
9 Oct 2023

Anyone ever had/has placenta previa, partial or marginal placenta previa? If so please drop some info below

Childbirth Stages of labor
6 comments
A
Alayna
I had partial placenta previa at 16 weeks but by 20 weeks it had resolved on its own. Most cases do
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nina
I have a low lying placenta I have another scan at 28 weeks currently almost 24 weeks. Hoping it has shifted .
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brook
8 Sep 2022

Anyone had a very low placenta covering your cervix? They said it’s not placenta previa yet but close.

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
e
ellie
i had marginal low lying placenta was put in pelvic rest and by 28 weeks i had an ultrasound done to check if it was out of the way and it did move up 9 centimeters so i’m no longer at risk i also have anterior placenta meaning my placenta is in front of baby.. but that’s not really an issue only thing with that is you don’t feel baby movements as much until they’ve grown bigger .. my only issue now is baby is still breeched and i’ll be 35 weeks in 3 days
27 Mar 2024

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e
ellie
low lying placenta is considered placenta previa well mines was really close to the vagina opening so i was at risk although it wasn’t covering it
27 Mar 2024

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A
Addie
30 Aug 2022

hey guys so im currently 1 month (and a few days) postpartum and im struggling with milk production- i have started to power pump when i can, i take my placenta pills, i also drink body armor drinks and lots of water!! but im still struggling and she’s starting to eat almost more than i can produce… is there any other tips or tricks for me please? im really trying to see what all i can do to help stimulate and produce more

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
D
Dazzquerrius
Milky-mama.com
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dazzquerrius
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies Lactation cookies are a treat for a new mommy ~ full of ingredients like brewers yeast and flaxseed meal, they are a great way to boost your milk supply and help keep you nourished the few few months after labor and delivery.  CourseDessert  CuisineAmerican  Keywordchocolate chip, cookies, lactation, oatmeal  Prep Time10 minutes  Cook Time10 minutes  Total Time20 minutes  Servings24 people  Calories176kcal  AuthorSheryl Ingredients 2 Tbsp water 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal 1/2 C butter softened 1/2 C brown sugar 1/4 C granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 C all purpose flour unbleached all purpose flour 1 1/2 C. old fashioned rolled oats 2 Tbsp brewers yeast 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 C mini chocolate chips 1/2 C shredded coconut Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir the flax and water - set aside. In your KitchenAid, cream the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on high until cream. Stir in the flour, yeast, baking soda and powder, cinnamon, and flax mixture on low just until incorporated. Gently fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and coconut just until incorporated. Scoop onto rounded mounds on a baking sheet lined with a baking mat, parchment paper or foil. Use your palm to flatten each cookie dough mound slightly. The cookies will not spread much during baking so use your own preference to flatten to your liking before baking. Bake for 9-12 minutes at 350 until the edges are lightly brown - remove and allow to cool before removing from the baking sheet. Store in a covered container. Nutrition Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
27 Mar 2024

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