The shape and color of the full-term placenta may vary slightly, but in general, the placenta is usually off-white, translucent, and disc-shaped, and can be divided into the maternal and fetal sides.
The placenta is thick in the center, thin at the edges, smooth and translucent grayish-white, weighing about 450-650 g, about 2.5 cm thick, and 16-20 cm in diameter, with an umbilical cord in the center of the placenta, which has vascular branches connecting the various chorionic villous cotyledons.
The maternal side of the placenta is dark red, with a rough surface that can be divided into several lobes; the surface of the placenta is smooth and transparent, and the covering amniotic membrane is grayish white, with the surface covered with varicose blood vessels.
The placenta and the fetus have a close relationship, and it is an important link for obtaining nutrients from the mother, such as maintaining fetal gas exchange, supplying nutrients to the fetus and excreting metabolic wastes, and also effectively defending against the entry of harmful substances from the outside world.
Most of the placenta can be delivered naturally half an hour after the delivery of the fetus. After delivery, check whether the placenta is intact or not, if there is incomplete placenta, it is also necessary to carry out removal surgery, and it is recommended to carry out the delivery in a professional hospital.