During
sexual intercourse, sperm enters the vagina and begin their journey.
Sperm swim at a rate of about 1 to 4 millimeters per minute.
During ovulation, cervical mucus changes facilitating
sperm passage through the cervix and into the uterus.
The female immune system may recognize sperm as foreign and attack them.
A pumping motion within the uterus helps propel sperm towards the egg.
Cilia, create a sweeping motion to help sperm.
The egg releases an enzyme, which assists the sperm in reaching the egg.
After the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus,
around 6-12 days after fertilization, it undergoes a process called implantation.
The embryo's attachment to the uterine lining is known as the endometrium.
Once the blastocyst contacts the endometrium,
some of its outer layer cells, known as the trophoblast cells, proliferate.
Then they lose their cell membranes, merge, and act as a single structure
called syncytiotrophoblast. This multi-nucleate cytoplasmic mass
aggressively burrows and digs its way into the endometrium and invades the uterine wall.
It also starts to secrete a hormone called HCG. Hcg
is a pregnancy hormone that is crucial in maintaining the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum
produces progesterone and stops the menstrual cycle. hCG helps sustain the corpus luteum until
the placenta takes over hormone production. hCG is often used as a marker for pregnancy detection.
Pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG in urine or blood to confirm pregnancy. hCG ALSO
helps establish immune tolerance in the mother's body and modulates the immune response to protect
the fetus from being recognized as foreign tissue. Elevated levels of hCG during early pregnancy are
associated with morning sickness, which includes symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. hCG plays
a role in the development of fetal organs and tissues, particularly during the first trimester.
Toward the mid of the second week of development,
some spaces called lacunae begin to form in the syncytiotrophoblast.
These spaces fuse together to form a network
filled with maternal blood of the damaged endometrium.
Finger-like projections called chorionic villi begin to extend like the root of the
planet and are surrounded by a pool of maternal blood. Here is where the exchange is happening.
Maternal blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients, flows into the intervillous space and diffuses
across the placental membranes into the fetal blood. At the same time, waste products
and carbon dioxide move from the fetal blood into the maternal blood for elimination.
While the blood will never mix. This is the early uteroplacental circulation.
Also, This process anchors the placenta to the uterine wall, ensuring a stable connection.
The umbilical cord, which attaches to the fetus, transports nutrients and oxygen to the
baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood. The umbilical cord is rich in
stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, such as bone
cells and fat cells and are responsible for generating the different types of blood cells.
The Length of the umbilical cord can vary among individuals' averaging around 55 to 60
centimeters. The placenta is fully formed and functional
by the end of the first trimester, around 12 weeks of pregnancy.
it acts as a bridge between the mother and the developing fetus,
facilitating the exchange of essential substances,
Waste Elimination, Hormone Production, and Immune Protection.
The placenta also acts as a selective barrier to filter out toxins, pathogens, and drugs
that could harm the fetus. Also, The placenta assists in regulating
the fetus's temperature, ensuring a stable and optimal environment for development.
Toward the end of pregnancy, The blood vessels within the placenta become more
organized and developed and adequately supports the fetus until delivery.
As the delivery approaches, the placenta produces higher levels of hormones, including
prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play a role in cervical ripening, which is the softening
and thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor.
They help prepare the cervix for dilation and facilitate the onset of contractions.
During labor, The placenta reserve oxygen and nutrient to ensure that the baby receives
sufficient oxygen and nutrients even during the
temporary reduction in blood flow caused by uterine contractions
As the uterus contracts during labor,
the placenta begins to detach from the uterine wall. This detachment is a natural process
that allows for separating the placenta from the uterus tissues after the baby is born.
After the baby is delivered, the uterus continues to contract to expel the placenta. These
contractions, often called "afterbirth" contractions, help detach the placenta entirely
from the uterine wall and push it out through the birth canal. The doctor may gently
assist in the delivery of the placenta by applying controlled traction on the umbilical
cord or by applying pressure on the mother's abdomen.
The process of placental delivery may take a few minutes to up to an hour. The doctor
monitors this process to ensure that the placenta is delivered entirely and that there is
no risk of retained placental tissue, which can cause complications if left behind.
the doctor Also examines the placenta maternal side for abnormalities. On average, a
placenta typically weighs between 500 to 600 grams.
Some people are Advocates of Eating the placenta, also known as placentophagy. they
claim potential benefits due to the presence of various nutrients and hormones in the
placenta, such as improved mood, increased energy levels, enhanced milk production,
and hormone regulation. Yet, There is no scientific evidence regarding
the benefits or risks of consuming the placenta.
But, It's important to note that there are potential risks associated with consuming the
placenta. The placenta may contain bacteria, viruses, or toxins, and improper handling
or preparation could increase the risk of contamination and infection. Cooking or
processing methods, such as steaming or encapsulation, may not effectively eliminate
these risks.
Some countries or regions have specific guidelines or restrictions in place. Therefore, it
is essential to be aware of local regulations and guidelines related to placentophagy.