Retained placenta
Table of Contents
Definition
Retained placenta is a childbirth complication where all or part of the placenta or membranes remain in the uterus after delivery. It could occur within 30 minutes to an hour post-delivery, a period that’s often considered normal for natural expelling of placenta. This condition can lead to postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and infection if not promptly treated.
Key Takeaways
- Retained placenta refers to a condition where all or part of the placenta or membranes remain in the uterus during the third stage of labor, usually longer than 30 minutes after childbirth.
- This condition can lead to severe postpartum hemorrhage, a major cause of maternal mortality, as the uterus can’t contract properly to stop bleeding from the area where the placenta was attached.
- Treatment modalities can involve medication to promote uterus contraction, manual removal of the retained placenta, or in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to prevent life-threatening complications.
Importance
The term “retained placenta” is important in the context of motherhood because it refers to a serious condition that occurs when all or part of the placenta or membranes remain in the uterus during the third stage of labor, which is longer than usual, usually more than 30-60 minutes.
If not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications including excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), infection, or in extreme cases, can even be life-threatening.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of retained placenta is crucial in postnatal care to ensure the mother’s well-being.
It also raises the importance of continuous monitoring and professional healthcare during and after childbirth.
Explanation
The term “retained placenta” is not about its purpose or what it is used for, but rather a specific condition that may arise during childbirth. It refers to when all or part of the placenta remains in the uterus after the baby is delivered, which is a potentially serious complication.
Under normal circumstances, the placenta, which nourishes and supports the fetus through the umbilical cord during pregnancy, is expelled from the mother’s body within an hour after childbirth. This process is known as the third stage of labor.
However, in some instances, the placenta, which is an organ attached to the lining of the womb during pregnancy, does not fully exit the woman’s body. If not dealt with, retained placenta can lead to severe infections or excessive blood loss, which can be life-threatening for the mother.
It occurs in roughly 2% of vaginal deliveries and may need medical intervention, such as medication or manual removal, to properly expel it. Remember that the purpose of this placenta is to provide oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby inside of you, so when it is retained post childbirth, it can cause major problems.
Examples of Retained placenta
Retained placenta refers to a condition in which all or part of the placenta remains attached to the uterus after childbirth, putting the mother at risk of hemorrhage or infection. Here are three real-world examples of this term:
Example 1: A new mother, just gave birth to her child. However, after delivering the baby, the placenta doesn’t completely detach from the uterus. Despite attempts by medical professionals to aid its natural expulsion, parts still remain attached. This leads to a diagnosis of a retained placenta.
Example 2: During a regular postpartum checkup, a mother complains of persistent and heavy vaginal bleeding that she has been experiencing following her home birth. Upon examination, the healthcare provider discovers that it’s due to a retained placenta. A minor surgical procedure is needed to remove the leftover tissues.
Example 3: Another case could be a woman who gives birth and then suffers from severe abdominal pain, uterine swelling, and fever. Upon investigation, doctors find out that she has developed a serious infection due to a retained placenta. She requires immediate medical attention and treatment for the infection, as well as removal of the remaining placental tissue.
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FAQs on Retained Placenta
What is a retained placenta?
A retained placenta is a condition where all or part of the placenta or membranes are left behind in the uterus during the third stage of labor.
What causes a retained placenta?
The exact cause of a retained placenta is unknown. However, it’s thought to be related to the placenta becoming too deeply embedded into the wall of the womb or the muscles of the uterus not contracting strongly enough to detach and expel the placenta.
What are the symptoms of a retained placenta?
Retained placenta may cause severe bleeding immediately or hours after delivery, a fever, and increased heart rate. If a piece of the placenta remains undetected, it may cause severe infection.
How is a retained placenta diagnosed?
A retained placenta is typically diagnosed when the placenta is not expelled naturally after birth or if a woman experiences symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding or infection. It can be confirmed by ultrasound.
What is the treatment for a retained placenta?
Treatment may include medication to help the uterus expel the placenta or surgery to remove it. The most suitable treatment will depend on how much of the placenta is retained, the woman’s physical condition, and the level of bleeding.
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Related Motherhood Terms
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Uterine Inversion
- Methergine Medication
- Dilation and Curettage Procedure
- Manual Placenta Removal
Sources for More Information
- Medical News Today provides a range of health news and information about medical conditions including retained placenta.
- Mayo Clinic is a reputable, non-profit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert care to everyone who needs healing.
- Healthline is the fastest growing health information site, with doctor-approved health information from all over the world.
- WebMD is a leading provider of health information services, serving consumers and medical professionals with trusted advice.
