The Placenta: What It Does, How It's Born, and Your Options After Birth

When we think about birth, our minds naturally focus on the baby. But there's another incredible part of the story that deserves recognition: the placenta.

Often called the "organ of life", the placenta is a temporary organ that your body grows specifically for your baby. It quietly works behind the scenes throughout pregnancy, providing everything your baby needs to grow and thrive. Then, once your baby is born, its job is complete and it too is born during what's known as the third stage of labour.

As a birth doula, I'm always surprised by how little many expectant parents are told about the placenta before birth. Understanding its role can help you feel more informed and confident as you prepare for labour and those first precious moments after your baby arrives.

What is the placenta?

The placenta begins developing shortly after a fertilised egg implants into the uterus. By around 12 weeks of pregnancy, it has taken over many of the essential functions needed to support your growing baby.

Unlike any other organ, the placenta exists only for the duration of pregnancy. It is an extraordinary example of what the human body can do. Connected to your baby by the umbilical cord, the placenta acts as the bridge between you and your baby throughout pregnancy.

What does the placenta do?

Although it's often described as a "filter", the placenta is actually far more complex than that. It performs hundreds of essential tasks every day.

• Supplying oxygen and nutrients

The placenta transfers oxygen, glucose, amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals from your bloodstream to your baby, providing everything needed for healthy growth and development.

Although you and your baby are closely connected, your blood does not usually mix directly. Instead, nutrients and oxygen move across a specialised membrane within the placenta.

• Removing waste products

Just as importantly, the placenta removes carbon dioxide and waste products from your baby's bloodstream so they can be eliminated by your body.

In many ways, the placenta temporarily acts as your baby's lungs, kidneys and digestive support while they are developing in the womb.

• Producing pregnancy hormones

The placenta is also an endocrine organ, producing hormones that help sustain pregnancy and prepare your body for birth and breastfeeding.

These include:

• Progesterone, which helps maintain the pregnancy.

• Oestrogen, which supports your baby's growth and prepares your body for labour.

• Human placental lactogen (hPL), which helps prepare your breasts for milk production and supports your baby's nutritional needs.

• Supporting your baby's immune system

During pregnancy, protective antibodies pass from you to your baby through the placenta, giving your baby valuable immune protection during their first few months of life.

While the placenta provides an important barrier against many harmful substances, it isn't perfect. Alcohol, nicotine, certain medications and some infections can still cross the placenta, which is why pregnancy health advice remains so important.

The third stage of labour: Delivering the placenta

Many people assume labour ends when the baby is born, but there is one final stage still to come. The birth of the placenta is known as the third stage of labour.

For most people, this happens within around 5 to 30 minutes after birth, although a physiological third stage can sometimes take longer.

Your uterus continues to contract, helping the placenta separate from the uterine wall before it is gently delivered.

Physiological (natural) third stage

A physiological third stage allows your body to deliver the placenta naturally.

This usually involves:

• No routine medication.

• Waiting for signs that the placenta has separated.

• Gentle pushing when your body is ready.

• Delayed cord clamping where appropriate.

Many parents choose this approach if they have had a straightforward pregnancy and birth, including some families planning a home birth, although it isn't suitable for everyone

Managed third stage

A managed third stage involves:

• An injection of oxytocin (or another uterotonic medication) shortly after birth.

• The medication helping the uterus contract.

• Gentle controlled cord traction by the midwife once the placenta has separated.

Research shows that active management reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (heavy bleeding), particularly for people with additional risk factors.

Once the placenta has been delivered, your body begins another enormous transition as it moves from pregnancy into postnatal recovery and the fourth trimester.

Your midwife will discuss your options so you can make an informed decision that's right for you.

Why does the midwife examine the placenta?

Once the placenta has been delivered, your midwife will carefully examine it.

They're checking that it appears complete and that no fragments have been left behind inside the uterus.

Retained placental tissue can increase the risk of heavy bleeding, infection and, occasionally, the need for further treatment.

Many parents also choose to have a look themselves. Seeing the intricate network of blood vessels and the side that connected to your baby can be a fascinating reminder of everything this temporary organ has done over the past nine months.

What can you do with your placenta after birth?

There is no right or wrong answer. Some families prefer not to keep it, while others choose to honour it in meaningful ways.

• Hospital disposal

This is the most common option, with the hospital arranging safe clinical disposal.

• Burying the placenta

Many families choose to bury the placenta beneath a tree, shrub or flowering plant.

For some, this symbolises growth, new beginnings and the lifelong bond between parent and child.

• Placenta encapsulation

Placenta encapsulation involves steaming, dehydrating and grinding the placenta into capsules.

Although some parents report feeling that encapsulation helped with their mood, energy or milk supply, current scientific evidence does not show consistent benefits.

There are also potential risks if the placenta is not processed safely, including bacterial contamination.

If you are considering encapsulation, discuss it with your healthcare team and ensure you use a practitioner who follows strict hygiene and safety standards.

• Placenta prints

Because the blood vessels resemble the branches of a tree, many families create beautiful placenta prints using natural pigments or the placenta's remaining blood.

Each print is completely unique.

• Donation for research

Some hospitals and research centres accept donated placentas to support medical research into pregnancy, childbirth and neonatal health.

If this interests you, ask your maternity team during pregnancy, as arrangements often need to be made before birth.

A remarkable organ deserving recognition

Your placenta quietly supported your baby every second of every day throughout pregnancy.

It delivered oxygen, nutrients and hormones, it removed waste, it protected your baby while helping them grow from just a handful of cells into a fully developed newborn.

Then, once its work was complete, it was born too.

Whether you choose to bury it beneath a favourite tree, create a piece of artwork, donate it to research or simply allow the hospital to dispose of it, your placenta has already achieved something extraordinary.

Taking a few moments to appreciate it is a lovely reminder of just how incredible pregnancy really is.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is delivering the placenta painful?

Most people find delivering the placenta much easier than delivering their baby. You will usually continue to have contractions, but they are generally milder. If you've had an epidural, you may feel very little at all.

• How long does it take to deliver the placenta?

Most placentas are delivered within 5 to 30 minutes after birth, although a physiological third stage can sometimes take longer.

• Can I keep my placenta?

Yes. In the UK, many hospitals allow you to take your placenta home, although they may ask you to sign a form and advise you on safe transport and storage.

• Is placenta encapsulation recommended?

There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to recommend placenta encapsulation for improving recovery, milk supply or preventing postnatal depression. If you are considering it, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare team.

How I can support you

Preparing for birth isn't just about contractions and breathing techniques. It's about understanding your options, asking questions and feeling informed about every stage of labour, including the birth of your placenta. This is one of the ways doula support during pregnancy and birth can help - giving you time and space to explore your options before you're in the middle of labour.

As a birth doula supporting families across Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and remotely throughout the UK, I provide evidence-based information, emotional support and practical guidance so you can approach birth with confidence.

If you'd like to find out more about how I can support your pregnancy, birth or postnatal journey, I'd love to hear from you.

🌿 Book a free, no-obligation discovery call today.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Placenta and Pregnancy.

Coyle, C.W. et al. (2015). Placentophagy: Therapeutic Miracle or Myth? Archives of Women's Mental Health, 18(5), 673–680.

Farrar, D. et al. (2011). Timing of umbilical cord clamping and neonatal outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Intrapartum Care (NG235). 2023.

NHS. Labour and Birth.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Guidance on the management of the third stage of labour and postpartum haemorrhage.