Everything You Were Never Taught About the Placenta (And Why It Matters So Much)

The placenta is one of the most misunderstood organs in pregnancy, yet it plays a central role in implantation, miscarriage risk, fetal growth, preeclampsia, birth complications, and postpartum recovery. In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Morgan delivers a clear, grounded crash course on the placenta: what it is, how it forms, how it functions, and what can go wrong. We unpack common myths, explain real risks without fear, and clarify why the placenta quietly determines so many pregnancy outcomes. This conversation is designed to replace anxiety with understanding and confusion with clarity, so parents can make informed decisions throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical care. 00:00 – Why the placenta matters more than people think 03:00 – Placenta development and implantation 09:00 – Male fertility, sperm health, and pregnancy outcomes 15:00 – Placental anatomy explained simply 18:30 – Cord insertions and placental variants 22:00 – Velamentous cord insertion and vasa previa 27:00 – Placental positioning and placenta previa 32:00 – Placenta accreta and surgical risks 37:00 – Subchorionic hemorrhage and first-trimester bleeding 42:00 – Placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction 45:00 – Preeclampsia explained 48:30 – Placental abruption 50:00 – Retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage 53:30 – Birthing the placenta (third stage of labor) 56:00 – Pitocin and hospital management 59:00 – What to do with the placenta after birth Resources From This Episode: Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy Call Lessons - https://milkmedicine.com/lessonsonly/ Find more from Dr. Leah: Leah Gordon |   / drleahgordon   Leah Gordon | https://www.drleahgordon.com/ Leah Gordon | https://www.womanhoodwellness.com/ Find more from Dr. Morgan: Morgan MacDermott |   / morganmacdermott   Morgan MacDermott | https://milkmedicine.com/ Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond: https://bit.ly/4m5SgK1 For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER: https://bit.ly/4geR3OZ Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER: https://bit.ly/4pbzzXT