Afterbirth refers to the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled following the birth of a baby. The placenta serves as the connection between the mother and the fetus, allowing the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus to the mother. This temporary organ has a disc-like shape and, at full term, measures approximately 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter and just under 2 inches (4 cm) thick. The fetal membranes, consisting of the outer chorion and the inner amnion, surround the embryo and hold the amniotic fluid. The term "afterbirth" was first used in the English language in the 16th century. It has also been used to describe a child born after the death or last will of the father.
