In this article:
How Does the Placenta Decide What to Pass On?
You might ask yourself how the placenta knows the baby's needs. The simple answer is that it doesn't "know" or "think" anything. It functions through a myriad of biological processes, including diffusion, active transport, and filtration.- Nutrients and Oxygen: Oxygen crosses through easily. However, nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, have specific processes for transport.
- Hormones: The placenta produces hormones that support pregnancy, including progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
- Antibodies: Your body passes down protective antibodies to your baby to help give them immunity after birth.
What Substances Does the Placenta Block?
The placenta serves as a barrier against harmful substances. Here’s what is generally limited:- Most bacteria and large proteins: These are typically too large to cross the placental barrier.
- Certain medications: Some drugs are unable to pass through the placenta, providing an additional layer of protection for the baby.
- Potential toxins: While the placenta is not a perfect filter, it can block some harmful chemicals from reaching the fetal bloodstream.
What Can Still Cross the Placenta and Harm the Baby?
The placenta protects your baby, but it is not completely impermeable to substances. The following are examples of substances that can cross the barrier:- Alcohol and nicotine: Both can enter your baby’s bloodstream and cause growth restriction and developmental problems.
- Infectious agents: Certain infectious agents, including viruses such as HIV and Rubella, and COVID-19, can cross.
- Drugs and harmful medications: Some antibiotics, pain medication, and recreational drugs can cross the barrier and cause harm to the baby.
- Environmental toxins: Toxins, including lead and mercury, as well as pesticides, can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Why Does Placenta Health Matter?
The placenta may come across complications during pregnancy. When the placenta is not functioning properly, the baby may not receive enough oxygen or nutrients. This can lead to:- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): The baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age.
- Preterm Birth: The baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Low Birth Weight: The baby's weight at birth is less than 2.5 kilograms.
- No Movement at Birth: The baby shows no signs of movement at the time of delivery, which may indicate distress or other complications.
How Can You Support Your Placenta’s Health?
You may not be able to control everything, but you can play a role in your placenta and baby’s well-being.Placental Health Checklist:
- Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet that includes protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid.
- Stay hydrated and drink enough water every day.
- Stay away from alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use.
- Rest enough and keep your stress under control.
- Attend all prenatal appointments to monitor the health of the placenta.
- Manage health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
When Should You See a Doctor Urgently?
It is not unusual to feel small discomforts during pregnancy; however, there are warning signs that require immediate medical attention:- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- Decreased baby movements
- Headache lasting longer than a few hours or vision problems
Emotional and Social Aspects You Should Know
Pregnancy requires both physical and emotional well-being. Knowing that the placenta is your baby’s lifeline can naturally lead to anxiety. You may find yourself worrying about whether you're eating enough, getting adequate rest, or making the right choices for your baby’s health.Please remember:
- Keep the conversation open with your doctor.
- Discuss your feelings with a trusted partner or a reliable person.
- Support groups also help as mothers share their voices, experiences, and thoughts.
The placenta acts as your baby’s guardian, delivering oxygen and nutrients while shielding them from many harmful substances. However, certain infections, toxins, and chemicals can still reach the baby. That’s why making informed choices about your lifestyle, diet, and medical care is essential. The more you understand how the placenta works and how to support its health, the more you empower yourself to give your baby the healthiest and safest beginning possible.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How the Placenta Decides What to Pass to the Baby and What to Block
- Can stress affect the placenta?
Yes, long-term stress can affect blood flow to the placenta, reducing its oxygen and nutrient supply. Relaxation techniques, counselling, and family support will help. - Does the placenta protect the baby from all medicines?
No. Some medicines cross the placenta easily, while others do not. Always check with the doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. - What happens to the placenta after birth?
The delivery of the placenta occurs after the baby is born in the third stage of labour. The placenta finishes its duties with the birth of the baby.
