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Placenta

The placenta is a large organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord and placenta, the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother and gets rid of wastes.

The placenta is delivered soon after the baby is born. (This is sometimes called the afterbirth.)

Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated November 28, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 28, 2008
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