When does the placenta kick in?

[Maruschke]

Hi All

Just wondering when the placenta starts working? Is it 12, 13 or 14 weeks?

I am finding it hard to pick a date when it will be safe to tell people. We had a heartbeat at 6w3d but I know this means little in terms of risk! We had low progeterone to start with, I am on pessaries, so I am nervous about the placenta kicking in properly.

Is 12 weeks safe? I was thinking 14 but I don't know if I could hide the bump that long (or hold my tongue, LOL).

[Tobily]

The placenta actually starts to function around 10 weeks.
Most studies have shown that the risk of miscarriage drops significantly between 10 and 12 weeks.
Once a late first trimester scan shows a healthy heartbeat and baby your odds of miscarriage are around 2%....so pretty safe to start sharing the joy

Congratulations btw!

[Inanna]

I have to say it's a bit of a misnomer about when the placenta begins to function. Essentially if functions as the pregnancy grows... The baby and the placenta are essential together. When it takes over the hormonal production is usually complete by about 14 weeks.

As Tobily says the risk of miscarriage is very low after 12 weeks - it happens but statistically it's unlikely.

[Maruschke]

Thanks everyone for your input. So if there is no problems at 14 weeks (last scan will be 12 weeks) then do you think it is safe? I know unfortunately that no-one is ever guaranteed a safe passage through pregnancy. I am a size 12, this is my first pregnancy, and I am hoping to keep it a secret for that long.

I know a lot of women are busting at the seems to tell people, but hubby and I are still getting used to the idea and would like some more time together where no one else knows to talk things through and enjoy it.

[Inanna]

Statistically you would be considered "very safe" at 14 weeks (or 12 weeks)

Xanthe is a lovely name! Wishing you lots of luck and good wishes for your pregnancy.

[Freya]

My OB and midwife both said they count it from 12wks but can be between 10-14wks like the others stated. Id go with 12wks, m/c risk is super low after that!

[Tobily]

I have to say it's a bit of a misnomer about when the placenta begins to function. Essentially if functions as the pregnancy grows... The baby and the placenta are essential together. When it takes over the hormonal production is usually complete by about 14 weeks.

.

That's actually a clearer answer FC It doesn't just switch on one day, it's a gradual process that completes at different times but usually around 12 weeks. Until this time the corpus luteum provides progesterone to sustain the pregnancy.