Postpartum examination of the placenta.

Placental morphologic examination can provide the clinician much information regarding pathogenesis in many problems of pregnancy and newborns. This depends on appropriate examination at the time of delivery, with triage to pathology based on clinical criteria and initial gross examination. The delivery room examination can readily assess gross lesions of the cord, villous tissue, and membranous surfaces. The chorionicity of multiple gestations can be quickly determined. Most microscopic lesions are suggested by the gross examination.