When a placenta is delivered with the baby, what is the recommended placement relative to the infant?

• A. Discard it immediately
• B. Place it at the same level as the baby or slightly higher
• C. Place it on the floor away from the baby
• D. Keep it on the mother's chest

Answer: (B)

When the placenta is delivered along with the baby, keep it with the infant at the same level or slightly higher. This placement uses gravity to keep the placenta in the same plane as the newborn, reducing the chance of it shifting downward and becoming contaminated or tangled with the umbilical cord. It also makes it easier to monitor both the baby and the placenta and to manage cord care without having the placenta on the floor or out of reach. Placing the placenta on the floor or discarding it would pose contamination and safety risks, while keeping it on the mother’s chest can complicate care and workflow.