Why is the placenta called the baby's 'life-support' system?

THE PLACENTA is visibly formed at 12 weeks gestation. At about this point, the placenta takes over a very BIG job from moms hormones. The placenta is now 100 percent responsible for nourishing the fetus. The placenta attaches to the baby at the umbilical cord, or the "belly- button."

The placenta is called the babys life support system because it provides everything the fetus needs to stay alive until birth. Without the placenta, the baby would die.