The Placenta is an organ that is developed during the pregnancy process. The placenta is attached to the uterine wall and establishes a connection between the mother and the baby through the umbilical cord.
The placenta helps in the transfer of nutrients and waste products between the mother and foetus. Oxygen and nutrients are supplied by the mother through the placenta and umbilical cord to the foetus and waste products are removed and excreted into the mother’s blood.
It also acts as a protective barrier to the foetus against noxious agents circulating in the mother’s blood and prevents any dangerous effects on the fetus.
In some conditions (such as smoking, drug abuse, use of medications, diabetes, high BP, anaemia), the placenta fails to function and is unable to supply adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus from the mother’s blood leading to fetal growth impairment. The fetus cannot grow normally results in low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, birth defects and sometimes stillbirth occurs.
It can be managed by early diagnosis and antenatal advice and care during pregnancy. If you feel any unusual symptoms and decreased fetal movements, report to the doctor immediately, so that baby’s chances of normal growth can be improved and complications can be prevented.
