HOW IS THE FETUS NOURISHED?

The uterus does much more than simply housing your fetus for nine months.  Its lining has grown thick with small and active cells called "trophoblasts" that come from the fertilized egg.  These foraging like cells grow in size to form the placenta, which are often referred to as the "afterbirth".  These cells form tiny projections similar to the roots of a plant, and their function is very similar as well.  They reach out to tap the mother's blood supply and bring necessary nourishment to the fetus.  The efficient placenta also carries off the fetus' waste.

The placenta transfers almost every intake of the mother to the fetus, food, air, liquids, etc.  This also applies to most drugs/medicines which should only be taken under the advice of your health care provider.

While the placenta is carrying nourishment and waste to and from the fetus, amniotic fluid is being produced in the uterus.  This is retained in an "amniotic bag", which surrounds the embryo.  The bag maintains a constant temperature and cushions the fetus against possible injury.  It also provides a substance in which the fetus can easily move around, as well as, supplying some of the fetus' fluids.