The Characteristics Of The Normal Placenta During Pregnancy

Hello Wel,

Thank you for the question.

The placenta (placenta) is vital in ensuring the fetus develops well in the uterus. In this placenta, there are many interlocking blood vessels that are connected between mother and fetus, so that nutrients and oxygen can be channeled from mother to fetus, and the rest of metabolism from the fetus's body can be removed through the mother's body.

Normally, the placenta is located on the sides of the uterus in the upper, right, left, front, or back. The characteristics of a normal placenta can vary depending on gestational age. In general, when pregnant at term (ready for birth), the diameter of the placenta is around 22 cm, thickness ranges from 2 to 2.5 cm, and weighs around 470 grams. The surface of the placenta that attaches to the mother will be maroon and divide into lobes or cotyledons. Meanwhile, the surface of the placenta facing the fetus will be more shiny, grayish in color, and almost transparent so that its maroon villi will be quite clear. From this placenta, attached to the umbilical cord whose length can range from 55 to 60 cm with a diameter ranging from 2 to 2.5 cm. In this umbilical cord against 2 arteries and 1 vein.

Assessing whether or not the placenta is normal during pregnancy can be done for example by ultrasound examination. This examination is ideally carried out directly by a trained doctor or obstetrician. In some pregnancies, there are several placental abnormalities that can occur, including placenta previa, placental abruption, and placenta accreta. Even after giving birth, the placenta can also be a source of problems, for example if there is still leftover placenta left in the uterus.

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