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May 23, 2013
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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.)

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedNovember 10, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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