20 Facts About the Placenta - A Lifeline Between a Mother and Her Baby

The placenta is the lifeline that connects the mother and her baby. It is a multifunctional organ that is responsible for supporting all the growing needs of the fetus.  It has different roles from providing oxygen and nutrients to secreting hormones that support the pregnancy. It is the only transient organ in the body. It forms with every pregnancy and will continue to grow as the baby grows, but once its mission is complete, it will be disposed. Some societies discard it as biological waste, while other cultures will hold ceremonies and beliefs to honor its essential role in the baby's life. Here are 20 fascinating facts about the placenta you probably didn't know.