Cellular and molecular systems level analysis of placenta development and function.

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During pregnancy an organ called the placenta is made by the developing baby. It forms early in pregnancy as it plays many important roles throughout the pregnancy. The placenta cells, called trophoblast, help the embryo to stick to the uterus and undergo a process call implantation. After implantation the placenta releases signals to the mother to tell her body that she is pregnant. Pregnancy tests work by detecting some of signals. These signals cause changes in the mother's blood vessels so that more blood will be sent to where the baby is growing. Signals from the placenta also prevent the mothers immune systems from attacking the baby. The most important role of the placenta is feeding the baby. This is done by transferring nutrients from the mothers blood into the babies blood without the two blood systems mixing. After the pregnancy is over the placenta is no longer needed.