The afterbirth is the collective term for the material expelled from the uterus after a baby is born, primarily consisting of the placenta, the umbilical cord, and the amniotic membranes. This temporary organ system sustains the pregnancy. Understanding the physical appearance of the afterbirth helps demystify the final stage of labor and highlights its significance to maternal and newborn health.
Components and General Appearance
The placenta is a substantial, disc-shaped organ at full term, measuring about seven to nine inches in diameter. It typically weighs around one to one and a half pounds, or roughly one-sixth of the baby’s weight. Its color is a deep, reddish-blue or crimson, with a texture often described as spongy or liver-like due to its high concentration of blood vessels.
The placenta displays two different surfaces. The fetal side, known as the chorionic plate, is smooth, shiny, and covered by the translucent amniotic membrane. Large fetal blood vessels radiate outward from the umbilical cord attachment point.
The maternal side, which was attached to the uterine wall, is rough and uneven. It is usually divided into 15 to 20 distinct, fleshy sections called cotyledons. These lobes represent the points where maternal blood was exchanged with the fetal blood supply, and detachment leaves a ragged appearance.
The umbilical cord is a coiled, rope-like structure typically measuring about 22 to 24 inches long. It contains one large umbilical vein and two smaller umbilical arteries, encased in a protective gelatinous substance called Wharton’s jelly.
The Delivery Process
The expulsion of the afterbirth marks the third stage of labor, beginning immediately after the baby is born. Continuing uterine contractions cause the placenta to detach from the inner wall of the uterus.
Placental separation is signaled by three main indications: a sudden gush of blood, a lengthening of the umbilical cord, and the uterus becoming firmer and more globular. This stage is generally the shortest, often lasting 5 to 15 minutes, though up to 30 minutes is considered normal.
The mother may be asked to push, or a healthcare provider might apply gentle traction to the cord and massage the uterus to encourage expulsion. Delivery of the afterbirth concludes labor, but the medical team ensures the uterus contracts properly to prevent excessive bleeding.
Why Medical Professionals Examine It
Medical professionals conduct an examination of the afterbirth for both maternal and newborn health reasons. The primary goal is to confirm that the placenta and all surrounding membranes are complete and intact. Retained fragments left inside the uterus can lead to severe complications, including postpartum hemorrhage or infection.
The appearance of the placenta offers clues about the health of the pregnancy and the baby’s development. Inspecting the umbilical cord for the normal count of two arteries and one vein is a standard procedure. Finding only one artery (single umbilical artery) is associated with an increased risk of congenital or structural anomalies in the newborn.
Visual inspection of the placental tissue can reveal indicators of past issues. These include areas of dead tissue called infarcts, which may point to high blood pressure during pregnancy. The examination also checks for signs of infection, such as discolored or foul-smelling membranes, or an abnormal placental size.
This assessment provides valuable information for the immediate care of the mother and the infant. It can also help guide management for future pregnancies.