Скачать или смотреть Retained Placenta; placenta or parts remain in the uterus after childbirth

🩺 Retained Placenta: When the Afterbirth Doesn’t Come Naturally

A retained placenta occurs when the placenta or parts of it remain in the uterus after childbirth, typically beyond 30 minutes following delivery. While it’s not extremely common, it can lead to serious complications if not promptly managed.

🧬 Types of Retained Placenta
Type Description
Placenta Adherens Uterus fails to contract enough to detach the placenta
Trapped Placenta Placenta detaches but gets stuck behind a closing cervix
Placenta Accreta Placenta abnormally attaches deep into the uterine wall, often requiring surgery
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
Placenta not delivered within 30–60 minutes

Heavy bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage

Foul-smelling discharge

Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

Delayed milk production due to hormonal disruption2

🧪 Diagnosis & Detection
Visual inspection of expelled placenta

Ultrasound to detect retained fragments

Monitoring bleeding patterns and uterine contractions

🛠️ Treatment Options
Method Purpose
Breastfeeding or nipple stimulation Stimulates oxytocin to help uterus contract
Oxytocin injection Encourages uterine contractions
Manual removal Doctor removes placenta by hand under anesthesia
Surgery (e.g., curettage) Required in severe cases like placenta accreta
Antibiotics Prevent or treat infection after removal
🧠 Risk Factors
Age over 30

Premature birth (less than 34 weeks)

Previous uterine surgery or C-section

Prolonged labor or stillbirth

Use of synthetic oxytocin during labor2

🌈 Can It Be Prevented?
While not always preventable, risks can be reduced by:

Discussing birth plan options (natural vs. managed third stage)

Avoiding unnecessary labor induction

Monitoring uterine health during pregnancy

#Placenta