The placenta is a special, temporary organ that connects a developing fetus to the mother’s uterus during pregnancy. Once a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the placenta starts to develop. The placenta attaches to the wall of the mother’s uterus—usually to the back, front, top, or side of the uterus. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta. The placenta provides the fetus with nutrients and oxygen, removes waste products from the fetus, creates hormones to promote fetal growth, and helps keep the fetus protected.

Shortly after a mother delivers her baby, she generally feels mild contractions as her uterus contracts to expel the placenta, which has separated from the wall of the uterus. Her healthcare professional may massage her lower abdomen to help deliver the placenta. Delivery of the placenta usually occurs within 30 minutes after the baby is born. The placenta is examined to ensure that all parts of it are removed so infection or related bleeding does not occur.

Sometimes, problems with the placenta can occur during a pregnancy that can put the health of mother and baby at risk.

• Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. This condition may resolve if it occurs early during pregnancy.

• Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates partially or completely from the uterine wall before delivery, which may deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients.

• Placenta accreta occurs when the placenta fails to detach completely from the uterine wall after birth.

• Retained placenta occurs when the placenta is not delivered within 30 minutes after birth. Intervention is necessary to prevent dangerous blood loss and infection.

Our best-selling Placenta/Cord/Amnion/Chorion Model is a great teaching tool on its own or in combination with our Fetal Model (available in beige, brown, or dark brown skin tones) .

The model includes an umbilical cord that can be attached to the Fetal Model, and the Fetal Model can be secured inside the amnion and chorion, which have drawstring closures, for childbirth demonstrations. The model is ideal for presenting the physiology of the placenta, amnion, and chorion; implantation of the placenta; expulsion of the placenta, umbilical cord clamping; umbilical cord difficulties during birth; ultrasound; and more.

Great for childbirth education on the go, both our Deluxe Mini-Model Set With Flexible Pelvis and Mini-Model Set: Pocket Uterus, Baby, and Pelvis (6 Pieces) include a miniature placenta/cord model with amniotic sac and umbilical cord for childbirth demonstrations with the 5½" fetal model. The fetal model can be secured in the amniotic sac with drawstring closure for demonstrating what happens as the amniotic membranes rupture, when the baby is born, and the separation of the placenta.

In a whimsical yet serious way, our What Mommy Does, Baby Does™ Model graphically illustrates how alcohol, tobacco, and other substances can cross the placenta and damage a developing fetus. The model features a see-through placenta with cigarette butts, beer bottle caps, and pills suspended in hard plastic that is attached to a fetus by the umbilical cord. The model powerfully reinforces that the placenta is a temporary organ designed to nourish a developing baby, so everything that goes into the mother’s body matters for a baby’s health. The model comes with English/Spanish presentation notes.

Whether you are looking for instructive resources for pregnancy hazards education, labor and birth demonstration models, breastfeeding guidance, or early parenting recommendations, Childbirth Graphics has your childbirth education needs covered! Visit our website product categories and new and updated products section to find the latest in childbirth education.

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