The term “afterbirth” refers to the structures expelled from the uterus following the birth of a baby. It represents the final stage of childbirth and is a natural, expected event that occurs immediately postpartum. This expulsion signifies the formal conclusion of the pregnancy and delivery process.
What Afterbirth Consists Of
The afterbirth is primarily composed of three interconnected biological structures that supported the fetus throughout gestation. The largest component is the placenta, a temporary, disc-shaped organ approximately one inch thick and nine inches in diameter at term. Attached to the placenta is the umbilical cord, a tube containing two arteries and one vein, which previously connected the fetus to the maternal circulation. The entire unit is enclosed by the fetal membranes, comprised of the inner amnion and the outer chorion, which together formed the amniotic sac. The placenta itself has a maternal side, which was attached to the uterine wall, and a fetal side, which is shiny and covered by the amnion.
The Role of Afterbirth During Pregnancy
Throughout the nine months of development, the placenta functioned as the fetus’s respiratory, digestive, and excretory system. It facilitated the direct exchange of oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the fetal circulation without the two blood supplies mixing. Simultaneously, the placenta was responsible for filtering and transferring waste products, such as carbon dioxide and urea, from the fetus back into the mother’s blood for elimination. The organ acted as a temporary endocrine gland, producing hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone, necessary to maintain the uterine lining and support the progression of the pregnancy.
The Third Stage of Labor
The delivery of the afterbirth marks the third stage of labor, beginning immediately after the baby is fully born. This stage is triggered by mild uterine contractions that are distinct from those experienced during the baby’s birth. These contractions cause the placenta to physically detach from the inner wall of the uterus. Once separated, the placenta is expelled from the body through the birth canal, often with some assistance from pushing or controlled traction on the umbilical cord. This expulsion process typically takes anywhere from five to thirty minutes to complete.
Post-Delivery Assessment
Following the expulsion, medical professionals carefully examine the afterbirth to ensure its completeness. This is done by inspecting both the maternal surface of the placenta and the attached fetal membranes. The primary objective of this check is to confirm that no fragments of placental tissue or membranes remain inside the uterus. Any retained pieces could interfere with the uterus’s ability to contract effectively, leading to postpartum hemorrhage or increasing the risk of infection. If the afterbirth is deemed complete, it is typically disposed of as medical waste.