Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Transplacental crossing
Introduction
Overview
Transplacental refers to the ability of a toxin or pathogen to cross the physical and biological barriers of the placenta separating the mother and fetus, to whom such substances may be dangerous. This would include, for example, HIV and the drug thalidomide.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]