Pregnancy

Let’s talk about the placenta — an incredible organ during pregnancy 🤍

The placenta is a complex and amazing organ that develops from the fertilised egg. By around 10 weeks of pregnancy, it is fully formed, functioning and often visible on ultrasound. It attaches to the wall of the uterus and connects to your baby via the umbilical cord.

✨ What does the placenta do?
• Provides oxygen and nutrients (like calcium and protein) to your baby
• Removes waste products from your baby’s blood, such as carbon dioxide
• Plays a vital role in your baby’s growth and development

After your baby is born, the placenta is delivered — this is known as the third stage of labour.

Placenta positions explained:

✨ Anterior placenta (front of the uterus)
Baby’s movements may feel softer or take a little longer to notice because the placenta cushions the kicks.

✨ Posterior placenta (back of the uterus)
Many parents feel movements earlier and more strongly as there is less cushioning between baby and the abdominal wall.

✨ Placenta praevia
This occurs when the placenta sits low and covers or partially covers the cervix (around 1 in 200 pregnancies). It is usually picked up on routine ultrasound. Factors that may increase the chance include multiple pregnancies, maternal age over 35, previous caesarean births, previous placenta praevia and smoking during pregnancy.

If the placenta fully covers the cervix, a vaginal birth is not safe and a caesarean birth is recommended. Extra monitoring, including a follow-up ultrasound around 32 weeks, is often needed to guide care.

The main concern with placenta praevia is the risk of sudden bleeding — so always follow the advice of your maternity care team.

Every placenta — and every pregnancy — is unique, and your healthcare provider will guide you based on your individual situation

Photo credit Monet Nicole – Birth Stories

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