Pathological examination of the placenta: raison d'être, clinical relevance and medicolegal utility.

Formal pathological examination of the placenta provides valuable information to the obstetrician, neonatologist, paediatrician and family. This article aims to provide the clinician with an overview of the significance of placental examination in relation to common or important pathological processes, and the utility of information obtained therein in explaining adverse outcomes, management of subsequent pregnancies, and assessment of newborn risk for the development of short- or long-term sequelae. General guidelines for placental examination, and logistical and practical issues are also discussed. Finally, the role of the placenta in the defence of obstetricians and other healthcare workers in cases of poor neonatal outcome is described.