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A More Detailed Look at Retained Placenta

 

For many couples, the labor and delivery process is a time of great joy. After nine long months, they finally get to meet their baby! However, in some cases, things go differently than planned. In this blog post, we'll take a more detailed look at one complication that can occur during labor and delivery: retained placenta.

What is the retained placenta?


Retained placenta occurs when the placenta does not detach from the uterus within 30 minutes of the baby's birth after the baby is born. This can lead to severe complications, including bleeding, infection, and damage to the uterine lining. In some cases, the retained placenta can even be life-threatening.

If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with the condition that puts you at risk for retained placenta, it's important to discuss your options with your doctor. In some cases, such as when the placenta is lying very low in the uterus or if there is significant bleeding, a cesarean section may be recommended. Other times, medication may help the placenta detach from the uterus.

What causes retained placenta?

Several different conditions can put a woman at risk for retained placenta. These include:


  • Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. Placenta previa can lead to severe bleeding during labor and delivery.
  • Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. Fibroids can make it more difficult for the placenta to detach from the uterus after birth.
  • C-section delivery: Women who deliver their baby via cesarean section are at a higher risk for retained placenta. This is because the placenta is more likely to be attached to the uterus in these cases.
  • Previous retained placenta: If you have had it in an earlier pregnancy, you are more likely to experience it again in subsequent pregnancies.
  • Pitocin use: Pitocin is a medication sometimes used to induce labor. It can also help the placenta detach from the uterus after birth. However, Pitocin use has been linked to an increased risk of retained placenta.
  • The placenta can be retained if the cervix closes and traps it inside your uterus or if your contractions aren't strong enough to expel it.
  • Over age 30: Women over 30 are more likely to experience retained placenta.

What are the signs and symptoms of the retained placenta?

The most common symptom of retained placenta is bleeding. This can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. Other symptoms include:

  • Cramping or pain in the uterus
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Malaise (general feeling of ill health)


If you experience any of these symptoms after giving birth, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.

What are the complications of the retained placenta?

Retained placenta can lead to several serious complications, including:

  • Bleeding: Heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) is the most common complication of retained placenta. This can lead to low blood pressure, shock, and even death.
  • Infection: Retained placenta can also lead to uterine infection (endometritis). This can cause fever, chills, and pelvic pain.
  • Damage to the uterine lining: Retained placenta can damage the delicate lining of the uterus (endometrium). This can lead to scarring and abnormal uterine growth (fibroids).

How is retained placenta treated?

  • Manual Removal: The treatment for retained placenta will depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, manual removal of the placenta may be necessary. This is a procedure in which the doctor manually reaches into the uterus and removes the placenta. 
  • Medication: In other cases, medication may help the placenta detach from the uterus. This can include synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) or prostaglandin.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the placenta. Some common complications of retained placenta, such as infection and heavy bleeding, may also require treatment. 
  • Breastfeeding: What You Need to KnowBreastfeeding is the process of feeding a baby milk from the mother's breasts. It's also called nursing. Breastfeeding is vital for your baby and helps you as a mother. After you give birth, breastfeeding will help cause your uterus to contract and prevent a retained placenta.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no sure way to prevent retained placenta. However, some things can be done to lower your risk. These include:

  • Avoiding c-section delivery: If possible, opt for a vaginal delivery instead of a c-section.
  • Avoiding Pitocin: If you are at risk for retained placenta, your doctor may recommend avoiding Pitocin during labor and delivery.
  • Talk to your doctor: Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns regarding retained placenta.


If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with the condition that puts you at risk for retained placenta, it's important to discuss your options with your doctor. In some cases, such as when the placenta is lying very low in the uterus or if there is significant bleeding, a cesarean section may be recommended. Other times, medication may help the placenta detach from the uterus.


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