📖 Placenta

In Detail

The placenta begins forming at implantation and is fully functional by week 12. It serves as the baby's lungs (gas exchange), kidneys (waste removal), immune barrier, and endocrine organ (producing hCG, estrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen). Placental problems include previa (covering the cervix), abruption (premature detachment), and accreta (growing into the uterine wall). The placenta is delivered after the baby (afterbirth) and typically weighs about 1-1.5 pounds at full term.