Placenta Donation and The Medical Uses For The Placenta

 

If you are pregnant, you may or may not have considered the option of donating your placenta after the birth of your child. The placenta is a temporary organ that joins the mother and fetus during pregnancy. It is responsible for transferring oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus and also facilitates the release of waste products from the fetus. The placenta is expelled with the fetal membranes during the birth process. At that point, it is either discarded as medical waste or can be donated for medical use.

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta that lines the amniotic cavity. The special composition of cells in this membrane provide specific functions which aid in healing. Since the early 1900’s, the human amniotic membrane has been used for various types of reconstructive surgical procedures. Amniotic membrane can be used as a natural biologic dressing at a surgical site, or as a foundation material for soft tissue growth. It can also be used in the area of Opthalmic (Eye) Surgery and in Dentistry to help patients with gum disease.

The amniotic membrane from one placenta provides a sufficient amount of material for many transplants, and donation of one placenta can help dozens of patients in different surgical applications. The donation process is simple and painless. Many OBGYN practices including Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. are currently participating in a placenta donation program.

Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. and Wellstar Kennestone have partnered with Surgical Biologics to provide expectant mothers with a planned Cesarean Section the opportunity to donate the placenta after the baby is born. If you are a patient of Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. and would like to get more information about placenta donation, please give us a call today. Your priceless gift has the potential help many patients heal from various types of surgeries.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.