During pregnancy, the placenta supplies the developing baby with oxygen and nutrients and helps remove waste. It also produces hormones that support pregnancy.
After your baby is born
Your maternity team manages the baby’s care, cord clamping and delivery of the placenta. Decisions about urgent treatment must take priority over collection for encapsulation.
If you would like to retain your placenta, discuss the hospital’s release and storage arrangements before the birth.
Further reading: NICHD: the placenta.