Placenta Encapsulation

The Placenta is a temporary or disposable organ attached to the inside of the womb during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones (progesterone and estrogen) necessary to sustain pregnancy and fetal development such as: 

 Estrogen- promotes production of prolactin & uterine growth 

 Progesterone-prevents mother’s uterus from shedding its lining

 Oxytocin- regulates pregnancy, stimulates contractions, hormones, promotes lactation 

 IgG [Immunoglobulin G] antibodies- protect fetus in womb 

 HCG [Human Chorionic Gonadotropin]- ensures pregnancy progresses & fetal development 

 HPL [Human Placental Lactogen]-regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels for fetus

The placenta acts as a barrier and never allows the blood of the mother and child to come in contact with each other. The placenta is the only organ that that is compatible with two sets of blood types and genes. 

This unique organ performs multiple functions such as:

 Allows gas exchange so the fetus gets enough oxygen 

 Facilitates blood flow between mama and baby

 Filters out some microbes that could cause infection

 Transfers antibodies from the mother to the fetus, conferring some immune protection

The placenta undergoes consistent change throughout the course of pregnancy between weeks 0 and 13 of conception. It is an important mother to aide in the baby’s health after birth. It is sometimes called “afterbirth”, as it is expelled through the vagina after the fetus has been delivered. The average placenta size is around 1lb and 22 cm long. The placenta interacts with the baby through the umbilical cord which has 2 arteries and 1 vein. The placenta is the same with baby—no two placentas are ever the same!