Situated inside the uterus, it performs three important functions, namely: regularly supplying nourishment to the fetus, eliminating the waste, and serving as a source of respiration for the fetus. So, while the mother carries the pregnancy to term, the placenta is working round-the-clock to ensure the growth and development of the fetus. Without the placenta, it would be impossible for the fetus to survive.

One of the most crucial roles of the placenta is to facilitate respiration for the fetus. It transports the oxygen from the mother’s blood stream to the fetus, while helping it to release the carbon dioxide. Placenta keeps growing as the pregnancy reaches it full term. Its increasing area ensures the constant flow of nutrients from the mother’s body to the fetus. Placenta also produces fatty acids as well as cholesterol that serve as nutrients for the unborn child. While sustaining the fetus during the course of the pregnancy, the placenta performs yet another role. That is of protecting the fetus from infection.

It also helps in the production of certain hormones required by the mother’s body during pregnancy. These include hormones such as chronic gonadotropin, also known as hcG, apart from progesterone and estrogen. In fact, doctors often confirm a pregnancy by checking the presence of chronic gonadotropin in a woman’s body.

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