The term “afterbirth” refers to the structures expelled from the uterus during the third and final stage of labor, following the delivery of the infant. This mass consists primarily of the placenta, the umbilical cord, and the fetal membranes that once held the amniotic fluid. Understanding the visual characteristics of the afterbirth provides context for its function and the processes involved in sustaining fetal development.
Physical Characteristics of the Placenta
The placenta, the largest component of the afterbirth, is a complex, disk-shaped organ at full term. It typically resembles a flattened, round mass, averaging 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) in diameter. The average weight of a full-term placenta is about one pound (roughly 500 grams), which is generally about one-sixth of the newborn’s weight.
The organ has two distinct sides reflecting its role in connecting the maternal and fetal systems. The maternal surface, which attached to the uterine wall, is dark red, coarse, and sectioned into 15 to 25 distinct lobes called cotyledons. This surface has a spongy, dense texture, colored deeply by the maternal blood vessels that supplied the organ.
In contrast, the fetal side is smooth and features a shiny, grayish-blue appearance due to the thin amniotic membrane covering it. Large, branching blood vessels radiate outward from the umbilical cord insertion point, spreading across the surface. The central area is typically the thickest, measuring around one inch (2 to 2.5 centimeters), and gradually tapers toward the edges.
The Umbilical Cord and Amniotic Sac
Connected to the fetal surface of the placenta is the umbilical cord, the lifeline that transported oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The cord is a flexible, coiled structure, typically 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 centimeters) long at full term, with a diameter of about half an inch. Its external appearance is usually a pale yellow, white, or bluish-white color.
The cord has a plump, gelatinous texture due to Wharton’s Jelly, a specialized connective tissue surrounding the internal blood vessels. This jelly protects the two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein from compression and twisting during fetal movement. The vessels are visible when the cord is cut, appearing as small, distinct openings in the cross-section.
The third component consists of the fetal membranes, the remnants of the amniotic sac that contained the baby and the amniotic fluid. These membranes, composed of the amnion and the chorion, are expelled along with the placenta. Post-delivery, they appear thin, translucent, and tough, often presenting as a grayish-white, ragged sheath surrounding the placental mass. Medical professionals must confirm that the entire sac has been expelled to prevent complications.
Post-Delivery Examination and Handling
Following delivery, medical staff conduct a careful inspection of the entire afterbirth mass. The primary reason for this examination is to ensure the placenta and all membranes were completely expelled from the uterus. Retained pieces can lead to postpartum hemorrhage or infection, making this visual inspection necessary for the mother’s immediate recovery.
The placenta is laid flat and examined for completeness, ensuring the cotyledons on the maternal side are intact with no missing fragments. The umbilical cord is inspected for its length and to confirm the presence of the expected two arteries and one vein, as variations can indicate fetal health issues. The membranes are also checked to ensure they are fully present and have not torn irregularly, which suggests retained tissue.
Once the examination is complete, the afterbirth is typically treated as medical waste and disposed of according to hospital protocol. Some parents may choose to keep the placenta for cultural or personal reasons, such as burial or encapsulation (processing the placenta into capsules for consumption). The medical team respects parental choices for handling the organ, provided they align with health and safety standards.