The placenta or more familiarly called the placenta is an organ that is formed early in pregnancy.The presence of the placenta to accompany the fetus in the womb is not without reason, you know, Bun. Come on, see this article to find out what are the functions of the placenta.
The placenta is formed early in pregnancy, approximately 2 weeks after conception. This organ weighing about 500 grams supports the growth and development of the fetus, and protects it from disease. With a variety of shapes, the placenta is generally attached to the top, back, or side of the uterus.
Placenta Function During Pregnancy
As mentioned above, the placenta has an important role to support the development of the baby in the womb. nowThe following are the functions of the placenta during pregnancy:
1. Deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus
The fetus needs oxygen and nutrients to live and develop while in the womb. But to get it, does not mean the fetus breathes through the nose or eats through the mouth, you know, Bun. Oxygen and nutrients obtained by the fetus are obtained from the mother's body.
Oxygen and nutrients from the mother's body will be carried by the blood and flowed into the placenta. After that, the intake will be transferred directly to the fetus through the umbilical cord which is connected from the placenta to the fetus. This process begins to occur in the 2nd month of pregnancy.
2. Remove waste substances from fetal blood
In addition to supplying oxygen and nutrients, the placenta also functions to get rid of metabolic waste that is no longer needed by the fetus. These waste substances will be flowed back into your bloodstream and then removed with the rest of your metabolism that you produce.
3. Producing pregnancy-supporting hormones
Another important function of the placenta is to produce pregnancy hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These hormones are very important in supporting fetal development and maintaining pregnancy.
4. Protects the fetus from bacterial infection
The placenta also serves as a barrier for bacteria that may be present in your body. So if you have a bacterial infection, the placenta will protect the fetus from contracting the infection.
5. Passing antibodies from mother to fetus
At the end of pregnancy, the placenta will pass the antibodies that you have to the fetus. These antibodies can provide immunity for your little one to avoid disease. But after the little one is born, the antibodies from the mother can only last until she reaches 3 months of age. So, it is important for your little one to keep getting immunized.
Seeing the various functions of the placenta, this organ is arguably a very important component in pregnancy. Disorders of the placenta can be harmful to the health of the fetus. So, don't be surprised if every time a pregnant woman checks, the doctor will check the condition of the placenta.
Therefore, it is very important for mothers to have regular check-ups with the doctor during pregnancy. In addition, mothers also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that the condition of pregnancy and the placenta is always good.