The placenta is the critical organ of pregnancy, responsible for mediating fetal growth and development as well as maternal adaptations to pregnancy. When placental development and/or
function is compromised (termed placental dysfunction), the health and well-being of mother and baby can be adversely affected, both in the short- and long-term. This talk will review our current understanding of placental dysfunction and the burden of placental dysfunction on individuals across the lifespan. Phenotype-specific biomarkers for antenatal detection of placental dysfunction will be discussed as well as placental phenotypes associated with maternal cardiovascular disease risk after pregnancy. The importance of integrating clinical, molecular and histological information to refine disease phenotypes for pregnancy and postpartum risk stratification will be emphasized