The Role of the Placenta

Placental previa (or placental detachment) is a dangerous condition that puts the lives of both baby and mother at risk. To understand some of the reasons why, it is important to understand what the role of the placenta is, and how the function of this unique organ is integral to having a healthy child.

The placenta is the connection between mother and baby. Attached to the uterus and connected to the baby by the umbilical cord, the placenta is responsible for nourishment of the fetus as it grows. Problems with the placenta can lead to malnourishment, which can result in a variety of long-term health problems for the baby.

In addition to providing nutrients, the placenta is required to provide oxygen to the developing infant. When placental detachment occurs, the mother no longer provides nourishment to the baby, including oxygenation necessary for the baby to survive. This is the most urgent issue for the unborn baby when placental previa occurs. In many cases, an emergency Caesarian Section is needed to save the baby.

The placenta also acts as the connection between the mother’s blood supply and the child’s. Because of this, the risk of hemorrhage due to placental abruption exists, as the expectant mother’s body may not stop bleeding without medical intervention. In fact, one of the most common signs of placental abruption is painless vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding is not stopped quickly enough, the mother can bleed out.

If you or someone you love has suffered unnecessarily due to a delayed diagnosis of placental detachment, please consider consulting with an experienced attorney. A qualified lawyer will know the right experts to review your case to determine whether or not the diagnosis should have been made more quickly, and whether a swift diagnosis might have resulted in a better outcome for mother or child.