Placentophagy, also known as placentophagia, is the act of consuming part or all of the afterbirth following parturition in mammals. Parturition involves the delivery of the neonate, as well as the placenta and fetal membranes. Placentology is the scientific study of the placenta.
Why is it important?
The placenta could be considered one of the most important organs in a woman's body, As a multi-functional organ able to impressively provide the care that our lung, liver, gut, among other vital factors to our survival to a developing life in a woman's womb. The placenta develops into a membrane separating the mother's and fetus circulations, making the exchange of nutrients neccesary. It ensures the transportation and ultimate growth of the Fetus.
The placenta passes on to the fetus, oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies straight from the mother's blood and carries the waste produced by the fetus out so that the mother's inmune system can get rid of it.
Hormones
The placenta produces to main hormones - Oestrogen & Progesterone
Oestrogen - One of the main female sex hormones, it takes a huge part on a woman's puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, between other systems in the body. Oestrogen levels may very in every woman, and be affected depending on their age along with other factors. Too much Oestrogen may be life threatening.
Progesterone - This hormone plays a vital role in a woman's pregnancy, it supports the uterus, which allows the baby to grow in a stable and protective environment.
Beliefs
Many cultures and religions symbolize the placenta as a guardian angel to baby, and tend to perform rituals to honor its magical contribution to the birth of a new life.
How do I keep my Placenta healthy?
Consume nutrient-rich foods
Consume iron-rich foods
Consume Vitamin D
Consume water, (vital for the placenta)
How do I know I suffer from Placental Problems?
The following symptoms may be a sign of Placental issues, please contact your health provider if you feel the following during pregnancy!
Vaginal Bleeding
Abdominal Pain
Back pain
Uterine contractions.
How is the placenta delivered?
When delivering the baby vaginally, you will also deliver the placenta after you give birth.
Your health care provider or Doula, may massage your lower abdomen, or induce medication to continue the contractions, and stop possible bleeding; encouraging your uterus to contract and expel the placenta from the body. In a C-Section, your healthcare provider will remove the placenta during the procedure. It is important to make sure no placenta residue is left in the body to avoid bleeding and infections post-birth.
PLACENTA FACTS
The placenta is the only disposable organ
It prepares your body to breastfeed
It is believed that placentas could help women battle cancer
Identical twins may or may not share the same placenta
The placenta is also a gland
The average placenta is 9 inches across, about 1 inch thick, and typically weighs just over 1 pound.
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