What is an afterbirth?

The afterbirth is the material expelled from the uterus after the birth of a baby. It consists of the placenta, the membranes that surrounded the fetus, and the umbilical cord. The placenta is a vital organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus and removes waste products. After the baby is born, the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus and is expelled from the body through the vagina.