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Placenta

The placenta is a large organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord and placenta, the fetus receives oxygen and nutrients from the mother and gets rid of wastes.

The placenta is delivered soon after the baby is born. (This is sometimes called the afterbirth.)

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Birmingham OB/Gyn’s Dr. Ronald Orso Named 2026 Lifetime Achievement Honoree by Birmingham Business Journal

  Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology is proud to announce that Dr. Ronald Orso has been selected as a 2026 Lifetime Achievement honoree by the Birmingham Business Journal as part of its Leadership in Health Care Awards.

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