The placenta is a vital organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It connects the developing baby, or fetus, to the mother's blood supply, allowing for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste. This organ plays a crucial role in supporting the baby's growth and development throughout the pregnancy. In addition to providing essential nutrients, the placenta also produces hormones that help maintain the pregnancy and prepare the mother's body for childbirth. After the baby is born, the placenta is expelled from the mother's body, a process known as placental delivery. This organ is often referred to as the "afterbirth."