Most of us know that the placenta is an important organ connecting the baby to the mother while still in the womb. Its main role is to provide nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby. In addition, it also removes waste from the baby to the mother.
If that is not amazing enough, below are 8 more interesting facts about your body’s ‘disposable’ organ:
• The placenta produces pregnancy hormones, for example the “human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)” in the early days of pregnancy. The hormones estrogen and progesterone assist in building up the lining of the womb to provide a cushion for the baby.
• It is important to have a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is also strongly discouraged to ensure a good blood supply through the placenta.
• An average placenta will weigh about 0.5 Kg. The bigger the baby means a bigger placenta. The placenta is formed at conception and develops along with the baby.
• A good position for the placenta to implant and grow is at the top portion of the uterus. However, it is not unusual to find it at the low portion in the early part of the pregnancy.
• The placenta is naturally expelled from the womb after birth. The hormone oxytoxin assists contract the womb and to stop any postnatal bleeding.
• In the Chinese culture, some carry out the practice of burying the placenta in the ground honoring the new life brought into the world. It is also believed that the placenta should be buried near the birthplace for reincarnation purposes.
• The placenta can also be consumed as it contains good nutrients like minerals, iron and zinc. In addition, it is supposed to clear away any post-partum depression and helps the mother recover faster. The preparation may involve drying and baking the placenta before it is grinded into powder form.
• The placenta may also be used for cosmetic purposes just like the popular sheep placenta.
I hope you have learned something new about the placenta after reading the facts above.