How Important Is The Placenta In Pregnancy?

During the pregnancy process, the doctor always highlights the functions of the placenta. Let’s explain the importance of this organ in pregnancy.

When a woman is pregnant, there are a number of organs in our body that intervene to ensure the baby’s life and proper growth . One is the placenta.

This organ is primarily responsible, along with the umbilical cord, for maintaining the direct connection between mother and fetus . The placenta is found in the first layer of the uterus, or behind it, and grows during the nine months of pregnancy.

This inner tissue is born, grows and dies . The same has its origin in fertilization, specifically from the sixth day on. Below we explain 5 functions of the placenta.

Ensures the baby’s nutrition during pregnancy

Thanks to the placenta, the child can feed correctly and without interruption.

Its main function is to transmit the essential nutrients for the growth and development of the little one during pregnancy .

The reality is that contact between mother and embryo is never direct. The placenta works like a tube that facilitates exchange. The baby extracts from the maternal blood everything it needs to develop in the womb: carbohydrates, oxygen, fats, among others.

Recent studies indicate that the transit of mother cells takes place through this channel , using the bloodstream as a medium. It must be remembered that these cells regenerate damaged tissue and dead cells.

Helps to protect the immune and biological system

Pregnant women often wonder if it is possible for the child to become ill while in the mother’s body . The answer to this question is no. This is because the placenta works very similarly to a filter.

She is in charge of preventing the passing of viruses, parasites or bacteria that could cause harm to our child. At the same time it prevents the mother’s defense system from  attacking the baby.

This aspect is essential since without the placenta, the mother’s organism would notice the presence of the embryo and the antibodies would act against the fetus. The placenta cannot protect the child from diseases such as syphilis, AIDS and other harmful agents such as drugs.

The placenta as a protective shield

This internal tissue offers greater defense to the fetus.  This is thanks to the amniotic fluid that changes during pregnancy and the sac membranes. These factors protect the baby, especially from possible external impacts.

It should be noted that if the placenta does not fulfill its role during pregnancy, your doctor should be alert. This liquid bag is what guarantees your baby’s life. That’s why the monthly check-up is so important.

In addition, this organ is responsible for maintaining the proper temperature for the fetus, as well as for keeping the space where the embryo grows closed. For all these reasons, following a healthy diet and keeping a calendar with visits to the obstetrician is vital.

Facilitates waste excretion and promotes endocrine functions

The placenta has a variety of benefits that guarantee the future child’s life. According to some researches, the task of purifying and transmitting to the mother all the waste produced by the embryo is demonstrated, for her to be expelled in the best way possible.

This is due to the fact that the embryo’s organs are not 100% developed. Therefore,  this bag promotes the production of hormones  that contribute to leaving the fetus free of waste.

Our organism needs help to tolerate the body of the living being that is developing. This is where this inner tissue plays an important role, as it provides all the extra elements that will be needed for the mother and baby to survive in the healthiest way.

Perfectly complements pregnancy

It has been proven that the best ally in the pregnancy process is the placenta . Furthermore, it evolves as the pregnancy progresses. Some researchers point out that when giving birth, the placenta can measure between 2 and 3 cm in thickness and 20 centimeters in diameter.

The placenta will accompany you for nine months and will age around forty weeks, until it dies when your child comes into the world. Its reason for existing is to maintain conditions conducive to life. Now you know how important it is during your pregnancy.