The afterbirth, also known as the placenta or the fetal membrane, is the organ that develops during pregnancy in the uterus to provide oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus and remove waste products. It is expelled from the uterus after the baby is born, usually within a few minutes to an hour after delivery, through a process called the third stage of labor. The afterbirth typically consists of the placenta, which is attached to the uterine wall, and the umbilical cord, which connects the placenta to the fetus. The expulsion of the afterbirth is an important step in the delivery process, as it signals the completion of the birth and the start of the postpartum period.
