The maternal body serves as the filtration system, while the placenta acts as the protective barrier.
This remarkable organ serves as a crucial shield of protection during pregnancy, and its benefits extend beyond the moment of birth. A cascade of events unfolds as the placental release signals the body that it is safe to commence the recovery process.
In the realm of post-birth decisions, the fate of the placenta stands as a deeply personal choice, often influenced by others experiences, opinions and well-meaning counsel. While debates and discussions frequently circle around encapsulation and the almost revered status of the placenta, there's a crucial facet that often remains in the shadows—the immediate emergency benefits possibly harbored by the maternal side & tissues of this organ. This personal consideration can be significantly swayed by the plethora of others voices, be it peers, resources, or the influence of close friends and family. Ultimately, what you discover about the placenta and the direction God guides you to take with it under personal circumstances is an intimate and private experience.
We want to draw attention to the importance of avoiding judgmental labels or stigmatization when it comes to women making choices during childbirth, especially in emergency circumstances. Comparing the use of an epidural for pain relief in times of need such as maternal exhaustion; where we would never deem it drug abuse, to the utilization of the placenta in an emergency context; where we should not call it cannibalism, emphasizes the need for understanding and respecting the diverse decisions that individuals may make in the complex and sometimes unpredictable process of childbirth.
Using the placenta in emergency situations, such as for potential benefits in preventing or remedying hemorrhage & or a vaginal tear, can be a medical decision made by mothers or healthcare professionals in collaboration with the birthing individual. It's crucial to approach such decisions with sensitivity and empathy, recognizing that they are made in the best interest of the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Avoiding stigmatizing language and understanding the diverse reasons behind medical choices empowers individuals to make informed decisions without fear of judgment or regret. It's important to foster an environment that prioritizes open communication, mutual respect, and support for the diverse experiences that come with childbirth within the birth community.
"The Power of Placenta for Hemorrhage Control
by Hollie S. Moyer | Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today, Issue 112, Winter 2015. Subscribe to Midwifery Today Magazine
The placenta has been a source of wonder throughout history. This truly amazing organ transfers nutrients and gases between mother and baby, producing and secreting the various hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy and allow the baby to flourish (Selander et al. 2013). Experts from many different disciplines have studied the placenta and how humans have interacted with it. Leaving room for the mystical, one such expert writes, “The placenta has both medicinal and magical properties, and its ingestion may be connected with either or both” (Ober 1979, 596). The use of the placenta in the postpartum period has recently become a popular topic; perhaps there is more power in the placenta than we previously thought.
William Ober (1979) wrote the seminal anthropological work regarding how humans have used the placenta throughout history. He found that the placenta and cord have been used by people in many cultures for various purposes, most of them medicinal (Ober 1979; Frye 2004). However, there is little evidence that humans instinctively consumed the placenta, called placentophagy, except when it correlated with the urgent need of specific nutrients in the postpartum period (Odent 2014).
When speaking of cats and rats, people are comfortable with making the conclusion that there must be something in the placenta that the mother needs, so why the taboo when it comes to humans?
Nearly all mammals eat their placentas immediately after birth. Jan Tritten, in her “Lessons from Kitty Birth” editorial in Issue 100 of Midwifery Today (2010/2011), wrote of watching her cat eat her placentas after giving birth. Jan then realized that she had never heard of animals hemorrhaging to death or even suffering much blood loss after birth, and so Jan hypothesized that the act of consuming the placenta guards animals from postpartum hemorrhage.
Studies have shown that consumption of the placenta enhances pain tolerance through opioid pathways in postpartum rodents (Selander et al. 2013). When speaking of cats and rats, people are comfortable with making the conclusion that there must be something in the placenta that the mother needs, so why the taboo when it comes to humans?
Many women are turned off by the concept of consuming something that came from their own body. Some are concerned on religious grounds. Still others would rather use uterotonics such as Pitocin or Cytotec as the first-line remedy for postpartum hemorrhage. However, one cannot ignore the fact that every woman who births a baby also births a placenta, the power of which we have perhaps overlooked.
Advocates of human placentophagy argue that the practice suppresses postpartum hemorrhage, improves lactation, increases iron levels, improves hair and skin texture and aids in uterine recovery from the birth process (Selander et al. 2013). Anne Frye (2004) and Cornelia Enning (2011) claim that placenta is an ideal medicinal and nourishing substance because it contains hormones and concentrated nutrients, and scientific support is beginning to emerge to substantiate these claims.
One study suggests that placenta may be immunologically beneficial (Kristal 1980). Researchers have measured some of the substances in term human placental tissue and have found the following: iron, selenium, vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine), fatty acids (AA and DHA), oxytocin, progesterone, human placental lactogen, relaxin, inhibin and activin, beta-endorphin and beta-lipotrophin, calcium, copper, zinc, placental opioid-enhancing factor and blood-clotting particles such as fibrinogen and thrombocytic fractions (Selander et al. 2013; Enning 2011). Because placenta contains blood-clotting particles and oxytocin, the practice of using placenta to curb postpartum hemorrhage is more than anecdotal.
Midwives are increasingly using placental fragments for hemorrhage control both before and after the birth of the placenta and are finding it works immediately. For third-stage hemorrhage, putting a bit of membrane in the mother’s mouth or having her suck on the cord are recommended (Tritten 2010/2011). Postpartum hemorrhage has been controlled by using a small quarter-size piece of placenta placed in the mother’s cheek or chewed by the mother first and then held between her cheek and gum (Frye 2004; Williams and Knight 2014). The hormones, such as oxytocin, and blood-clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, are absorbed through the mucous membranes to facilitate the clamping down of the uterus, which helps stop blood flow (Scott 1998; Frye 2004). When using placenta to curb hemorrhage, it is important to ensure that the placenta is intact before removing a piece. Quickly inspect the placenta or take a picture of it before cutting a piece of it off to make sure that no pieces of the placenta are left inside (Frye 2004).
With the promising evidence that is emerging, both scientific and anecdotal, midwives should feel encouraged to use placenta. It may be the most natural, convenient and physiologic potential for hemorrhage control. By keeping good records of the outcomes, we will add to this growing body of evidence that proves there is power in placenta."
References:
Enning, Cornelia. 2011. Placenta: The Gift of Life. Eugene, OR: Motherbaby Press.
Frye, Anne. 2004. Holistic Midwifery: Care of the Mother and Baby from the Onset of Labor through the First Hours after Birth, Vol. II. Portland, OR: Labrys Press.
Kristal, MB. 1980. “Placentophagia: A Biobehavioral Enigma.” Neurosci Biobehav Rev 4 (2): 141–50.
Ober, WB. 1979. “Notes on Placentophagy.” J Urban Heal 55 (6): 591–99.
Odent, M. 2014. “Placentophagy.” Midwifery Today 109: 17–18.
Scott, M. 1998. “Three Keys to Avoiding Postpartum Hemorrhage.” Midwifery Today 48:23–24.
Selander, J, et al. 2013. “Human Maternal Placentophagy: A Survey of Self-reported Motivations and Experiences Associated with Placenta Consumption.” Ecol Food Nutr 52:93.
Tritten, J. 2010/2011. “Lessons from Kitty Birth: Using Placenta to Control Hemorrhage.” Midwifery Today 100:5.
Williams, M, and C Knight. 2014. “Our Placenta Journey.” Midwifery Today 109:44."
Reference: by Hollie S. Moyer | Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Midwifery Today, Issue 112, Winter 2015. Subscribe to Midwifery Today Magazine
The Placenta Deep Dive
The placenta is an essential temporary organ that develops during pregnancy, connecting the developing fetus to the uterine wall of the mother. It serves as a vital interface for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, providing crucial support for the growing fetus throughout pregnancy.
Placental Anatomy
Comprising of the maternal basal plate on the mothers side of the placenta, connects to the uterine wall. The fetal chorionic plate on the fetal side of the placenta, connects the fetus through the attached umbilical cord. The umbilical cord, is made up of 2 arteries & 1 vein encased in protective Wharton's jelly. All encased inside of the amniotic membrane sac filled with amniotic fluid.
The maternal side of the placenta
Also known as the basal plate, has a unique anatomy that plays a crucial role in supporting fetal development during pregnancy.
Here are key features of the anatomy of the maternal side of the placenta:
Decidua Basalis: The decidua basalis is the modified and thickened portion of the maternal endometrium (lining of the uterus) where the placenta attaches. This layer undergoes changes to accommodate and support the developing placenta.
Maternal Blood Spaces: Within the decidua basalis, there are maternal blood spaces that allow maternal blood to flow into the placenta. These spaces facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the maternal and fetal circulations.
Spiral Arteries: Spiral arteries are uterine arteries that supply blood to the decidua basalis. During pregnancy, these arteries undergo changes, including dilation and increased blood flow, to provide an ample blood supply to the placenta.
Cotyledons: The maternal side of the placenta is organized into cotyledons, which are lobed or rounded structures. Each cotyledon contains fetal chorionic villi that are coated in maternal blood, allowing for the exchange of substances between the maternal and fetal systems.
Maternal Veins and Arteries: Maternal veins carry deoxygenated blood and waste products away from the placenta, while maternal arteries bring oxygenated blood and nutrients to the placenta. This exchange is vital for fetal nourishment and waste removal.
The fetal side of the placenta
Has its own unique anatomy including the placental barrier The placental barrier is a dynamic and selective membrane that regulates & separates the maternal and fetal circulations during pregnancy. Its primary function is to facilitate the exchange of essential substances, such as oxygen, nutrients, and waste products, between the mother and the developing fetus while maintaining a degree of separation between their blood systems.
Here are key features of the fetal side of the placenta:
Placental Barrier: The placental barrier serves as an interface allowing the transfer of metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide and urea, from fetal to maternal blood. Carbon dioxide moves from the fetal to maternal blood through the placenta, facilitating its elimination by the mother's lungs through exhalation. Urea, a byproduct of fetal metabolism, diffuses into maternal blood, is filtered by the maternal kidneys, and is ultimately excreted as urine. The placenta functions as a dynamic exchange system, and the mother's body efficiently manages the elimination of these waste products.
Chorionic Plate: The chorionic plate is the fetal side of the placenta that faces the amniotic cavity. It is covered by the amnion, the innermost layer of the amniotic membrane.
Chorionic Villi: The placental barrier is composed of tiny, finger-like structures called chorionic villi. These structures project from the fetal side of the placenta into the maternal blood-filled spaces, creating a large surface area for exchange.
Umbilical Cord: The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta. It contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. Oxygenated blood flows from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical vein, while deoxygenated blood returns to the placenta through the umbilical arteries.
Amniotic Membrane: While the amniotic membrane primarily covers the chorionic plate on the fetal side, it contributes to the overall protection and cushioning of the fetus within the amniotic cavity.
Umbilical Arteries and Vein: The umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta, where it releases waste products and receives oxygen and nutrients. The umbilical vein carries oxygenated blood back to the fetus.
Maternal Blood Spaces: Maternal blood flows through spaces surrounding the chorionic villi on the maternal side of the placenta. This allows for the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), nutrients, and waste products between maternal and fetal blood without direct mixing.
Syncytiotrophoblast and Cytotrophoblast Layers: The outer layer of the chorionic villi, called the syncytiotrophoblast, is in direct contact with maternal blood and plays a role in nutrient and gas exchange. Beneath the syncytiotrophoblast is the cytotrophoblast, which contributes to the formation and maintenance of the chorionic villi.
Fetal Capillaries: Within the chorionic villi, fetal capillaries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus. These capillaries are located close to the maternal blood spaces, allowing for efficient exchange.
Amniotic Fluid: The amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus within the amniotic cavity. While not a direct part of the placental barrier, the amniotic fluid provides additional protection and support to the developing fetus.
The placental membranes: refer to the layers that make up the structure of the placenta, composed of the amnion and chorion, which are rich in various components that contribute to their structure and function. These membranes play a crucial role in supporting fetal development and protecting the fetus during pregnancy.
Here are key components found in placental membranes:
Amnion:
Collagens: These are structural proteins that provide strength and integrity to the amniotic membrane.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): These are complex carbohydrates that contribute to the hydration and resilience of the amniotic membrane.
Proteoglycans: Proteoglycans consist of proteins and GAGs and are involved in maintaining the structural integrity and elasticity of the amniotic membrane.
Chorion:
Collagens: Similar to the amnion, collagens in the chorion provide support and structure to the placental membranes.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): GAGs in the chorion contribute to the flexibility and lubrication of the membranes.
Proteoglycans: Proteoglycans in the chorion play a role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and overall structural integrity.
These components collectively form a supportive and protective barrier between the fetus and the external environment. The amniotic membrane contains amniotic fluid, providing a cushioning effect and helping to protect the developing fetus from mechanical stress. Additionally, the chorion contributes to the formation of the placenta, facilitating nutrient and gas exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations.
Recent studies have explored the potential regenerative properties of placental membranes, including their application in wound healing and tissue repair due to the presence of growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances.
The reported use of placental membranes, particularly the amnion, for repairing vaginal tears postpartum is an interesting application that aligns with the potential regenerative properties associated with these tissues. The amnion, being rich in components like collagens, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, may contribute to tissue healing and repair.
The Placenta is often misunderstood
The placenta, is often misunderstood as a filter for toxins. However, it does not function as a filter in the traditional sense. Instead, it acts as a barrier that separates maternal and fetal bloodstreams, preventing the direct mixing of their blood components. This separation is vital to safeguard the fetus while allowing the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.
On the maternal side of the placenta, typical blood components are present, including red and white blood cells, platelets, plasma (containing clotting factors), and various proteins and nutrients necessary for exchange with the fetal side. However, the placental barrier selectively permits the transfer of specific substances like oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and waste products such as carbon dioxide and urea. This selective permeability ensures nourishment and waste removal for the fetus without directly transferring blood cells or large blood components.
The placental barrier's permeability is regulated based on factors like size, charge, and chemical properties of substances. Small molecules essential for fetal development can pass through, while larger molecules and potentially harmful substances are restricted. This process is critical for the proper development of the fetus and protection from potentially harmful compounds.
Regarding the placenta as a *filter* of waste product elimination
The placental barrier allows the transfer of carbon dioxide (a metabolic waste product) from fetal to maternal blood, facilitating its elimination by the mother's lungs through exhalation. Urea, another waste product resulting from fetal metabolism, also diffuses into the maternal blood, eventually being filtered by the maternal kidneys and excreted as urine. The placenta itself does not store or retain these toxins; it's the interface facilitating the exchange, while the mother's body manages their elimination.
Maternal filtration system:
Carbon Dioxide:
- Moves from fetal to maternal blood through the placental barrier.
- Mother eliminates it via exhalation.
Urea:
- A waste product from fetal metabolism.
- Diffuses into maternal blood.
- Filtered by maternal kidneys and excreted as urine.
Understanding the placental barrier's selective permeability sheds light on how essential nutrients reach the fetus and how waste products are efficiently truly eliminated.
Fetal circulatory system
"During fetal development, waste products and carbon dioxide produced by the growing fetus are unable to be processed by the fetus's underdeveloped organs, particularly the lungs and liver, which are not fully functioning in the womb. Instead, these waste materials travel back through the fetal circulatory system to the placenta.
The exchange happens at the placenta, which serves as a critical interface between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. The fetal blood, laden with waste products and carbon dioxide, moves through the umbilical cord to the placenta. There, these substances pass through the placental barrier, transferring from the fetal circulation to the maternal circulation.
Once in the mother's circulation, these waste products are effectively eliminated from the body. The mother's well-functioning organs, such as the kidneys and lungs, take on the task of processing and removing these waste materials. The maternal body effectively acts as a filtration system, cleansing the fetal waste products and carbon dioxide from the blood that has been exchanged across the placenta. This ensures that the growing fetus is not burdened with the task of managing its waste elimination until it is capable of doing so independently after birth.
The fetal circulatory system relies on unique pathways to bypass underdeveloped organs. Oxygen and nutrient exchange occur through the placenta, with specific shunts directing blood to nourish the fetal body. At birth, the baby's first breath triggers changes in blood pressure, leading to the closure of these pathways, finalizing the transition to the newborn's independent circulation."
Placental Utilization and Benefits:
Some birthing mothers & midwives within out-of-hospital birthing communities have shared their experiences with alternative practices in managing postpartum hemorrhage. These accounts include mentions of twisting a lobe off the maternal side of the placenta, chewing it and placing it in the cheek as a potential remedy. Additionally, there are reports of positive outcomes associated with chewing on a piece of the umbilical cord to address active hemorrhage; with the anecdotal notion that it boosts oxytocin, contributes to contractions and fundal tone.
Private conversations and studies surrounding the utilization of the placenta, amongst midwives & birthing mothers, particularly placing it in the cheek or chewing for postpartum hemorrhage prevention & remedy, may potentially be linked to the intricate blood clotting components, proteins, nutrients & properties in traces of oxytocin found in the placenta tissues & placental membranes within the cotyledons; contributing to uterine contractions, fundal tone, uterine health and iron levels.
Arising from peer review aligning with the research is the reported use of the regenerative properties in placental membranes. Focusing on the presence of growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances, particularly the amnion, to repair postpartum vaginal tears. This practical use aligns with the anticipated regenerative qualities of these tissues. The amnion's composition, including elements like collagens, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, is thought to play a role in tissue healing and repair, with support from the consensus among peer reviewers.
In these intimate discussions, individuals may draw on traditional knowledge and cultural practices that suggest unique benefits associated with the placenta.
While oxytocin is not inherently produced within placental tissues, there may be trace amounts of oxytocin present in various tissues, including the placenta.
During childbirth, oxytocin is released from the mother's pituitary gland in response to the progression of labor. This release of oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, helping with the dilation of the cervix and the delivery of the baby. The oxytocin released from the pituitary gland circulates in the bloodstream, contributing to the physiological processes associated with labor.
The placenta acts as a barrier between the maternal and fetal circulations, and substances, including hormones, are generally not transferred directly from the maternal blood to the fetal side. The fetus produces its own oxytocin, which is released in response to stress and other factors during labor. Additionally, the squeezing action of the uterus during contractions helps compress the umbilical cord, which can temporarily reduce blood flow to the fetus. This reduction in blood flow can stimulate the fetal stress response and the release of endogenous oxytocin, contributing to the physiological processes of labor from the fetal side.
The placental membranes, composed of the amnion and chorion and rich in growth factors and cytokines, have been explored in experimental studies for their potential in inflammation reduction and tissue healing.
The concept of placing the placenta in the cheek could be partially rooted in the fact of the membranes' anti-inflammatory properties identified in studies, & might contribute to reducing the risk of hemorrhage. The growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins within the placental membranes could be thought to aid in tissue healing, potentially playing a role in promoting hemostasis and vascular stability.
The traditional practices shared within these intimate settings may align with the emerging scientific understanding of the placental membranes' potentials. The individuals engaging in these discussions may draw on cultural wisdom and personal experiences, creating a bridge between traditional beliefs and the experimental insights into the anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing properties of placental membranes.
Exploring the intersection of traditional practices and scientific findings can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits associated with the placenta and its membranes in the context of postpartum hemorrhage prevention.
"Placental tissues encompass all the tissues which support fetal development, including the placenta, placental membrane, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid. Since the 1990s there has been renewed interest in the use of these tissues as a raw material for regenerative medicine applications. Placental tissues have been extensively studied for their potential contribution to tissue repair applications. Studies have attributed their efficacy in augmenting the healing process to the extracellular matrix scaffolds rich in collagens, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, as well as the presence of cytokines within the tissues that have been shown to stimulate re-epithelialization, promote angiogenesis, and aid in the reduction of inflammation and scarring. The compositions and properties of all birth tissues give them the potential to be valuable biomaterials for the development of new regenerative therapies. Herein, the development and compositions of each of these tissues are reviewed, with focus on the structural and signaling components that are relevant to medical applications. This review also explores current configurations and recent innovations in the use of placental tissues as biomaterials in regenerative medicine."
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9050314/ Roy A, Mantay M, Brannan C, Griffiths S. Placental Tissues as Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine. Biomed Res Int. 2022 Apr 21;2022:6751456. doi: 10.1155/2022/6751456. PMID: 35496035; PMCID: PMC9050314.
In the context of preventing hemorrhage and supporting maternal health during and after childbirth, the placental membranes within the cotyledons contain essential components primarily found on the maternal side of the placenta.
These components include:
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, plasma (carrying clotting factors), various proteins and nutrients are primarily found on the maternal side of the placenta.
Plasma (Carrying Clotting Factors): Plasma, a vital component, carries essential clotting factors such as fibrinogen and prothrombin. These factors play a crucial role in coagulation, preventing excessive bleeding following childbirth. Platelets: Platelets are indispensable for hemostasis, initiating clot formation at the site of injury and effectively preventing hemorrhage. White Blood Cells: While primarily involved in the immune response, white blood cells also contribute to wound healing and help prevent infections at the site of injury during childbirth. Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the mother's body, which is vital for tissue repair and healing postpartum. The interplay of these components, especially the clotting factors in plasma and platelets, is crucial in preventing postpartum hemorrhage and maintaining maternal health. It's important to recognize that alongside these components, hormonal changes, uterine contractions, and the release of clot-dissolving substances also contribute significantly to preventing excessive bleeding during the postpartum period. The unique combination of these factors underscores the intricate physiological mechanisms that safeguard maternal well-being following childbirth.
There is ongoing research exploring various applications of placental components, including membranes, for potential medical benefits, it's crucial to note that the scientific evidence supporting their use in remedying hemorrhage is limited and not widely established. Placental membranes contain a matrix of proteins, growth factors, and other bioactive substances that have been studied for their potential regenerative properties.
Remedying: The Placenta as a Blood transfusion
This transfusion of these components on the maternal side of the placenta, when applied to the inside of a mothers cheek, through direct contact with mucous membranes and saliva, leaves one to assume based on peer review; this acts as a blood transfusion.
Though cord blood banking is recognized for its potential health benefit mainstream especially surrounds stem cell research, the evidence of the immediate use of the placenta postpartum for emergency purpose is considered anecdotal.
Many women & midwives have shared their personal experience with the benefit of placental use for remedying hemorrhage.
It is important to stay humble and surrendered to the fact our creator is ultimately in control; some of us end up needing support & assistance we do not plan for but overall, as mothers would do anything to protect ourselves and our children.
In an emergency hemorrhage situation, the factors present in the maternal side of the placenta, including stem cells, red blood cells, plasma, clotting factors, proteins & nutrients contribute to the clotting components essential for managing and treating postpartum hemorrhage. When applied to the inside of a mother's cheek, it is suggested, based on anecdotal experiences and peer review discussions, that this acts as a form of blood transfusion.
Here's how each of these components can play a role:
Stem Cells: Stem cells have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various cell types. In the context of postpartum hemorrhage, they may contribute to tissue repair and regeneration, potentially aiding in the healing process.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Essential for oxygen transport, RBCs can help improve oxygenation, supporting vital functions during a hemorrhagic episode.
Plasma: Plasma carries clotting factors, including fibrinogen and prothrombin, crucial for the coagulation process. This can aid in forming clots to stop excessive bleeding.
Clotting Factors: The presence of clotting factors in the placental transfusion can contribute to the initiation and regulation of the clotting cascade, promoting hemostasis and preventing further blood loss.
Various Proteins and Nutrients: The proteins and nutrients present in blood support overall bodily functions. Maintaining appropriate levels of these components can help the body function optimally during a crisis. For example, proteins like albumin help maintain blood volume and regulate osmotic pressure, which can be critical in stabilizing a person's condition during a hemorrhage. Researchers have measured some of the substances in term human placental tissue and have found the following: iron, selenium, vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine), fatty acids (AA and DHA), oxytocin, progesterone, human placental lactogen, relaxin, inhibin and activin, beta-endorphin and beta-lipotrophin, calcium, copper, zinc, placental opioid-enhancing factor and blood-clotting particles such as fibrinogen and thrombocytic fractions (Selander et al. 2013; Enning 2011)
Mucous membranes in the mouth are involved in a similar process of diffusion, albeit for different purposes and with distinct characteristics compared to the placental transfer.
In both the placenta and mucous membranes of the mouth:
Diffusion: Both systems rely on the principle of diffusion, which is the passive movement of molecules from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration. This principle allows for the transfer of substances without the need for energy expenditure.
The oral mucosa: serves as a gateway for the absorption of various substances into the bloodstream.
MSC therapy for Postpartum hemorrhage
Stem cells found on the maternal side of the placenta are a remarkable and versatile component with significant therapeutic potential. These cells, known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), exhibit unique properties that make them valuable for various medical applications, including potential use in postpartum hemorrhage scenarios.
Differentiation Ability: Stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including those involved in tissue repair and regeneration. This property is crucial for addressing damage or injuries, such as those occurring during postpartum hemorrhage.
Immunomodulation: Stem cells exert immunomodulatory effects by regulating immune responses. This can be beneficial in mitigating inflammation, a common factor in hemorrhage situations, and promoting a balanced immune environment for optimal healing.
Angiogenesis Stimulation: Stem cells have been shown to stimulate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This process is vital for restoring blood supply to damaged tissues, aiding in the recovery from hemorrhagic events.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: MSCs release anti-inflammatory factors that help control excessive inflammation, which is crucial in preventing further tissue damage and supporting a healing environment.
Paracrine Signaling: Stem cells communicate with neighboring cells through paracrine signaling, releasing signaling molecules that influence cellular behavior. This communication plays a role in orchestrating a coordinated response to tissue injury.
Tissue Regeneration: Stem cells contribute to tissue regeneration by promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. This is particularly relevant in the context of postpartum hemorrhage, where the restoration of uterine and vascular tissues is essential for recovery.
Fetomaternal Microchimerism:
Fetal cells mixed with the mother's bloodstream, a phenomenon known as fetomaternal microchimerism, can have several intriguing effects on the mother's vital health, tissues, and healing processes.
Extrapolating from these observed benefits during pregnancy, it is reasonable to explore the potential advantages of utilizing placental components postpartum, considering their similar composition and the role they play in supporting maternal health and healing.
Here are some key facts about these interactions:
Fetal Cells in the Mother: During pregnancy, small numbers of fetal cells, including stem cells, can cross the placenta and enter the mother's bloodstream. These fetal cells can persist in the maternal body for years, or even decades, following childbirth.
Tissue Repair: Fetal cells may contribute to tissue repair and regeneration in the mother. They are believed to possess regenerative properties that can help heal maternal tissues, including those affected by injuries, surgeries, or certain medical conditions.
Immune System Modulation: Fetal cells can influence the mother's immune system. They might play a role in suppressing certain immune responses, which can be beneficial during pregnancy to prevent the mother's body from rejecting the developing fetus. This immune-modulating effect could extend to other situations, potentially impacting autoimmune conditions.
Autoimmune Disease: There is ongoing research into the link between fetomaternal microchimerism and autoimmune diseases. Some studies suggest that the presence of fetal cells might contribute to reducing the risk of certain autoimmune disorders in mothers.
Maternal Health Benefits: Research is exploring how fetal cells could benefit maternal health, particularly in terms of tissue healing, immune system regulation, and protection against certain health conditions. However, it's important to note that this field of study is still evolving, and the full scope of these benefits is not yet fully understood.
Tissue Repair and Regeneration: Fetal cells may participate in tissue repair and regeneration in specific maternal organs or tissues. This could be relevant for postpartum recovery or even in addressing long-term health conditions.
Potential for Future Therapies: As our understanding of fetomaternal microchimerism deepens, there is growing interest in harnessing the regenerative potential of fetal cells for therapeutic purposes. This could have applications in areas such as regenerative medicine and immunology.
Maternal-Infant Bond: The presence of fetal cells in the mother's body represents a long-lasting physical connection between a mother and her child. This can be seen as a biological representation of the strong emotional bond between mother and child.
Fetal cells that enter the mother's bloodstream typically do not originate from the maternal side of the placenta. Instead, these fetal cells are primarily derived from the developing fetus and cross the placenta to enter the maternal circulation.
The placenta acts as a barrier that separates maternal and fetal bloodstreams to prevent direct mixing of blood cells and most blood components. However, in the process, a small number of fetal cells, including stem cells, can naturally cross from the fetal side of the placenta to the maternal side and then enter the maternal bloodstream.
These fetal cells can circulate in the mother's body for extended periods, influencing various aspects of maternal health and possibly contributing to tissue repair, immune system modulation, and other potential benefits.
Maternal Placental Tissue vs. Cord Blood Banking
let's delve into the potential benefits of utilizing maternal placental tissue postpartum and draw comparisons to the established practice of cord blood banking:
Hemostatic Properties:
Correlating Possibilities: Exploring hemostatic properties in maternal placental tissue could revolutionize postpartum hemorrhage management. Rapid blood clotting may offer a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional treatments.
Comparison to Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood banking preserves stem cells for potential future use, but it doesn't directly address immediate hemostatic needs like the maternal placenta.
Stem Cells:
Correlating Possibilities: Maternal placental stem cells may contribute to faster healing and tissue repair, especially for childbirth-related injuries.
Comparison to Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood banking focuses on hematopoietic stem cells for potential treatment of diseases, while placental stem cells cater to immediate maternal health needs.
Bioactive Compounds:
Correlating Possibilities: Bioactive compounds in maternal placental tissue may assist in targeted blood coagulation, providing a specific approach to manage postpartum hemorrhage.
Comparison to Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood banking stores cells for potential future use in diverse medical conditions, whereas placental tissue targets maternal health and bleeding concerns.
Immunomodulation:
Correlating Possibilities: Components from the maternal placental side may influence immune responses, aiding in preventing excessive reactions during postpartum bleeding.
Comparison to Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood stem cells have immune-modulating properties, mainly used for unrelated donor transplants and managing immune conditions, whereas placental tissue focuses on maternal health.
Tissue Preservation Techniques:
Correlating Possibilities: Developing preservation techniques for maternal placental tissue could make these potential benefits more accessible for immediate medical use, such as placental tinctures for future emergency use.
Comparison to Cord Blood Banking: Cord blood banking has established preservation methods for future use, while placental tissue preservation addresses immediate emergent maternal health issues.
Biblical perspective
While some may use specific verses to discourage certain practices, others may have different perspectives. Engaging in open and respectful dialogue with God, spiritual leaders, scholars, or members of your faith community can provide a more comprehensive understanding and help reconcile potential concerns.
It's also crucial to recognize that personal convictions and interpretations may differ, and individuals should be encouraged to make informed decisions based on their faith, values, and discernment.
Deuteronomy 28:57. This verse, widely discussed amongst the birth community, is part of a larger section known as the blessings and curses, where God outlines the consequences of disobedience to the covenant. In this verse, the imagery is metaphorical and symbolic, emphasizing the severe conditions that the people of Israel would face if they turned away from God's commands.
The mention of a woman eating her placenta and children is a vivid and distressing image, likely intended to convey the extreme hardships and desperation that would result from disobedience. It's crucial to interpret such passages within their historical and cultural context and seek guidance from theological experts or scholars to understand the intended meaning and application in biblical teachings.
The scripture in Deuteronomy 28:57 is metaphorical and part of a larger passage outlining the consequences of disobedience. It is not a direct command or guidance for specific actions. In the context of contemporary practices like consuming the placenta to prevent hemorrhage, it's essential to recognize that biblical verses were written in a different cultural and historical context
Given the infrequent references to the placenta in the Bible and that it is not explicitly forbidden, it implies the importance of relying on individual discernment and personal convictions when evaluating the potential benefits of the placenta postpartum.
The principle "lean not on your own understanding" is derived from Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Bible, which states: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 7:1-2
Your personal decisions, including those related to the amazing organ, the placenta, lie between your soul, the Holy Spirit, and your husband, especially in the context of pregnancy, birthing your baby, and the journey of recovery. Nothing should come between that sacred union of guidance.
References:
Placental Tissues as Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine.
Roy A, Mantay M, Brannan C, Griffiths S. Placental Tissues as Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine. Biomed Res Int. 2022 Apr 21;2022:6751456. doi: 10.1155/2022/6751456. PMID: 35496035; PMCID: PMC9050314.
Fetal circulatory system
The Power of Placenta for Hemorrhage Control