It’s been around six and a half years since the subject of childbirth, labor, and all that comes with it first entered my mind. In that time, we’ve seen major changes in what we know—and more importantly, what we discuss—about the details that follow birth. Yes, I’m speaking about the post-delivery aspects.
I’m not referring to those heartwarming, tearful moments with your newborn cradled in your arms. Instead, I mean that part your gynecologist briefly mentioned but made sound almost insignificant. Maybe it’s just me, but I definitely felt the pressure and was confused when the nurse started examining my abdomen right after I had just delivered a baby weighing 10 pounds (okay, perhaps “attacking” is a bit of an exaggeration). The second time around, I was prepared and a bit more tolerant. Go ahead, poke away. Don’t mind my death stares; this is just my least favorite part of the whole delivery experience.
To be honest, I had no clue what happened to my placenta after it was delivered. Some people choose to donate theirs, some plant them, and believe it or not, some even eat them. I’m not judging—it’s just not my thing, though I’ve been curious about the reasons behind it. Some claim it can help with postpartum depression. The science is still unclear, but hey, to each their own. With that said, if your placenta is sent to pathology after the birth of your little one, don’t stress out; it’s a common procedure.
Why Might Your Placenta Be Sent to Pathology?
Your placenta has provided a safe haven for your baby for over 40 weeks. It performed critical functions like delivering oxygen and nutrients for their growth. If it’s sent to pathology, there’s likely no reason to worry; they are simply checking to ensure that everything appears healthy.
So, what does a normal placenta look like? According to the American Family Physician, placentas can vary, but doctors often assess size, color, membranes, and the length and diameter of the umbilical cord. These factors can inform your doctor about your pregnancy’s health and potential complications for future pregnancies. Typically, serious issues like placenta previa or accreta are diagnosed early on, so a post-delivery examination is often routine. Fingers crossed, everything looks good.
What to Expect After Delivery
It’s crucial that your entire placenta is expelled from your body. If any portion remains (known as “retained placenta”), it can lead to complications like infection or hemorrhaging. Your healthcare provider will check for signs of retained placenta and visually inspect it for any abnormalities. Once they confirm everything is in order, it may be sent to pathology for further analysis while you get some well-deserved care down there. Don’t worry; it sounds worse than it is. After delivering a human, you’re practically a pro at this!
If your placenta goes to pathology, the process usually involves looking for abnormalities such as calcification or clotting, which aren’t typical for a healthy placenta. Some of these conditions might be influenced by genetics or pre-existing health issues. Knowing that ultrasounds don’t always catch everything, a closer look at the placenta—especially for first-time mothers—is often standard. Pathology can also test for bacterial infections.
In the end, analyzing the placenta provides valuable information about your current pregnancy and insights for future ones, as explained by Dr. Smith, a leading OBGYN. Each pregnancy is unique, just like every placenta. There are, however, steps you can take to promote health: avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and try to stay calm. Most importantly, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. You might not even notice all the fuss as you focus on snuggling your precious little one. Enjoy those first moments with your new bundle of joy even more than you enjoyed those strange pregnancy cravings.
For more insights on pregnancy and new mom experiences, check out this article and this resource.
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Summary
Don’t worry if your doctor sends your placenta to pathology; it’s often a standard procedure to ensure everything is normal. During this process, healthcare providers will check for any abnormalities, which can provide valuable insights into your pregnancy and future ones. Stay informed, maintain open communication with your medical team, and focus on welcoming your new baby into the world.