Placenta Power: 7 facts about this amazing organ! - 224

Hey there, welcome back to the Pulling Curls podcast. In today's episode, we're untangling the mysteries of the placenta. Hilary shares seven fascinating facts about this incredible organ. Stay tuned for some mind-blowing information. Big thanks to our sponsor my free beginning prenatal class: https://www.pullingcurls.com/free-prenatal-class/ It has just what you need to know about third trimester testing so don't miss it! Timestamps: 00:00 Placenta functions like disposable organ with vital role. 03:23 Placenta produces hormones, influences body changes in pregnancy. Keypoints: The placenta is an essential organ that helps the baby grow inside the uterus. It can take on various shapes, but it's typically round and about the size of a dinner plate when a woman is full-term pregnant. The placenta is a disposable organ, meant to be discarded after birth, and it connects to the wall of the uterus, transferring nutrients and waste between the mother and baby. It is responsible for producing hormones that support the pregnancy and trigger changes in the mother's body, such as breast development and adjustments in heart, kidney, and blood vessels. The placenta plays a vital role in ensuring an optimal environment for the baby's development, including regulating the mother's immune response to prevent rejection of the baby. At birth, the average placenta weighs about a pound, and it is significantly larger than the baby during early pregnancy to support the baby's growth. Stem cells from the baby can cross the placenta and target sites where the mother has had injuries, potentially aiding in her healing even years later. Exploring the placenta post-delivery can offer a fascinating insight into its function and structure, as well as its ability to sustain the baby for nine months. Encouragement for mothers to ask their healthcare provider for a peek at the placenta to understand its role and significance in pregnancy and childbirth. Upcoming podcast episodes will discuss secret mom hacks and the topic of giving birth on your back. Producer: Drew Erickson Keywords: placenta, pregnancy, prenatal class, labor, birth, fetal development, organ, nutrients, hormones, immune system, stem cells, medical anatomy, maternal health, fetal health, childbirth position, maternity tour, pregnancy complications, medical podcast, obstetrics, midwifery, maternal-fetal medicine, healthcare, maternal care, postpartum recovery, maternal education, baby development, maternal anatomy, motherhood, family health, healthcare education