1. A method of analyzing a placenta comprising: (a) selecting the placenta to be analyzed; (b) obtaining a digital image of an entire chorionic surface of the placenta; (c) inputting the digital image into a processor; and (d) performing an analysis on the digital image in the processor, wherein the processor applies a mathematical algorithm to the digital image in which the algorithm does not include the step of comparing the sample image to a known or reference image.