Welcome to the placenta lab!

The Placenta Lab at the University of Ottawa takes an interdisciplinary approach to identify the mechanisms that underlie abnormal placental development and function, and translates these findings into clinically useful tools aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is a field of research that underlies research at our lab. DOHaD examines how exposures during critical windows of plasticity across development can influence health trajectory or disease profile of the individual. The Placenta Lab is headed by Dr. Shannon Bainbridge, who has trained in the disciplines of molecular and cell biology, reproductive physiology and obstetrics.

What is the Placenta?

The most important organ we have ever owned is our placenta. This vital organ of pregnancy is the site of transport of gases, nutrients and metabolites between the mother and fetus, and it produces hormones that regulate maternal adaptations to pregnancy. A healthy placenta is essential for a healthy pregnancy as it is required for fetal growth and survival.