What role does the placenta play during pregnancy?

The placenta plays a crucial role during pregnancy, primarily functioning as an interface between the mother and the developing fetus. It nourishes and maintains the fetus through the umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the placenta. This relationship allows for the transfer of essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus while also facilitating the removal of waste products from the fetal circulation. The placenta is richly vascularized, ensuring that these exchanges happen efficiently, which is vital for proper fetal development.

While the placenta does contribute to the transfer of some nutrients that support oxygen supply, stating that it serves as the baby's primary source of oxygen simplifies a complex process. Furthermore, while the placenta provides some degree of protection against infections through various mechanisms, its primary role is in nutrient and waste exchange. Additionally, the placenta is involved in hormone production, which aids in maintaining pregnancy, but its primary significance lies in the nourishing role it plays through the umbilical cord.