The placenta is a vital organ that develops during pregnancy, attaching to the uterine wall and connecting to the fetus via the umbilical cord. It facilitates the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the mother and fetus, and it produces essential hormones including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone. On ultrasound, the placenta appears as a homogeneous, slightly echogenic, disc-shaped structure on the uterine wall. Sonographers evaluate the placenta for its location (to rule out previa), thickness, texture, grade of maturity, and any abnormalities such as abruption, accreta, or masses. Placental assessment is a standard component of every obstetric ultrasound examination.
Sonography Term