US Medical Term · anatomy
Placenta
Placenta
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Placenta |
| Spanish (Español) | Placenta |
| Chinese (中文) | 胎盤 |
| Korean (한국어) | 태반 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhau thai |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Inunan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Placenta |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | รก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 胎盤 |
What it means
The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It attaches to the wall of the uterus and connects to the developing baby through the umbilical cord. The placenta's job is to pass oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood to the baby, and to carry waste products from the baby back to the mother. It also produces hormones that support the pregnancy. After the baby is born, the placenta is delivered — this is called the afterbirth. Problems such as placenta previa (low placement blocking the cervix) or placental abruption (early separation from the uterine wall) are serious complications that need immediate medical attention.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The ultrasound showed my placenta is positioned low and may be covering my cervix.
El ultrasonido mostró que la placenta está en posición baja y puede estar cubriendo el cuello uterino.
My doctor said the placenta may have separated early and I need to be monitored.
El médico dijo que la placenta puede haberse separado temprano y necesito vigilancia.
Can you explain how the placenta feeds the baby during pregnancy?
¿Puede explicarme cómo la placenta alimenta al bebé durante el embarazo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026