Your baby spends its nine months in the womb encased in a membrane. This membrane is created from the same cells that created the embryo. The cells that attach to the uterine wall make up this membrane called the placenta. Inside the placenta is the amniotic fluid encasing the baby and provides a watery cushion for the baby to move around in while in the womb. A mucous plug seals off the opening to the uterus.
When the baby is ready to be born, the mucous plug is released. This is called the bloody show. In lieu of the release of the mucous plug, the membrane may rupture and amniotic fluid escapes. This is known as the mothers water breaking. Typically, when one or both of these incidents occur, your baby is ready to be born. Labor usually begins soon after one or both of these occurrences.
What Your Baby Leaves Behind
When your baby is born the placenta and umbilical cord are left behind. This is called afterbirth. What many mothers do not know is that after they have successfully delivered their baby they will also have to deliver the placenta. This delivery usually occurs within 15 minutes of the babys birth.
Uterine contractions will continue pushing the placenta toward the vaginal opening. The mother may be required to push a few times to expel the placenta. Your doctor will dispose of the remaining umbilical cord connected to the placenta and the placenta. Some parents opt to keep their babys placenta. Some cultures are even known to make a special meal out of the placenta and choose to eat it. Nonetheless, the placenta is also rich in stem cells that may be used for cell regeneration for the terminally ill. Once the placenta is delivered, your medical professional will draw blood from the placenta and/or umbilicus for storage or donation for these medical treatments.
