03/10/2026
Two lobes, one amazing job. ✨
This is a bilobed placenta, which simply means the placenta developed in two separate sections (lobes) that are connected by blood vessels within the membranes. Instead of one round “pancake,” it’s more like a placenta with a buddy.
Why does this happen? Most of the time it’s just one of those fascinating variations of normal in pregnancy. As the placenta forms early in pregnancy, it attaches where it can get the best blood supply from the uterus. Occasionally that growth spreads into two nearby areas instead of one single disk.
Both lobes still work together to do all the important placenta things:
• Deliver oxygen and nutrients
• Remove waste
• Support baby’s growth
• Produce hormones that sustain pregnancy
Nature is pretty incredible at adapting.
One thing providers pay attention to with bilobed placentas is making sure both lobes are delivered after birth, since the connecting vessels can run through the membranes. But when everything comes out together, it simply becomes another example of how beautifully unique placentas can be.
Midwives will say it forever: placentas are amazing.
Curious question for you all 👇
Did you know placentas could come in different shapes and variations like this?
