All around the world, the placenta is revered in rituals - but in many places it’s mainly seen as medical waste. What is this incredible organ, who does it belong to and how does it feed, grow and protect a baby?

India Rakusen speaks to placenta expert Margherita Turco, before diving into the world of what the foetus is really protected from. When you become pregnant there’s a long list of things you apparently should and shouldn’t consume, but how much information are we given and what’s being left out? Philosopher Quill Kukla explains.

Presented by India Rakusen.
Producer: Ellie Sans.
Executive Producer: Suzy Grant.
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts.
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon.
Mix and Mastering by Olga Reed.

A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds