This Radiolab episode explores the placenta, revealing its surprising role in pregnancy. The hosts and guests discuss the placenta's development, its aggressive nutrient acquisition from the mother's body (sometimes leading to preeclampsia), and its eventual expulsion after birth. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked biological "war" between the mother's body and the fetus, mediated by the placenta. The podcast also touches upon cultural perspectives on the placenta, contrasting scientific understanding with traditional practices like burial, emphasizing its significance beyond its biological function. A key takeaway is the placenta's crucial role in fetal development and the potential dangers of an imbalanced "tug-of-war" for nutrients.
