The Role of the Placenta During Pregnancy

The placenta is a vital pregnancy organ. "The placenta converts nutrients from the maternal circulation and turns them into energy for the developing fetus," said Sasha Andrews, M.D., a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Obstetrix® of Colorado, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. "These energy sources include glycogen, cholesterol and protein." The placenta produces hormones "that increase the supply of glucose, relax the uterus and help with fetal organ development," said Dr. Andrews. It also "facilitates transfer to gasses such as oxygen from the [parent] to the fetus."

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