What it means
Used for anything about the placenta, which brings oxygen and food to the fetus and removes its waste. Placental abruption is the placenta pulling away from the uterine wall before birth; placenta previa is a placenta lying over or near the cervix; placental insufficiency is a placenta that cannot supply the baby's needs. Delivery of the placenta is the third stage of labor.
For the nurse
After the placenta is delivered, check that it looks complete; pieces left in the uterus can cause bleeding and infection.
At a glance
| Spanish | placentario |
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Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
uterus
The hollow, muscular organ in the female pelvis where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the womb.
intrauterine
Inside the uterus.