Retained Placenta
Leaving the placenta inside the uterus after birth, either partially or entirely, is known as a retained placenta. This can lead to complications like heavy bleeding, infection (including sepsis), and in severe cases, may require medical intervention for removal.
Retained placenta can cause excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), especially if the placenta doesn’t separate from the uterine wall properly. This then can lead to an infection if fragments of the placenta remain. They can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infection. The smell can be quite bad and you feel nauseous. You can then have a second heavy bleed even days or weeks after birth due to retained products.
What are the risks?
Retained products of conception can lead to infection, causing fever, pain, and foul-smelling discharge. If left untreated this can lead to sepsis. If the placenta doesn’t detach fully, the uterus may not contract properly, increasing the risk of severe bleeding and hemorrhage. You will need removal of the retained products either medically or under anesthesia. A procedure called Evacuation of Retained Products of Conception (ERPC) has risks just as leaving the retained placenta in situ. This procedure involves removing the retained tissue using suction or a dilation and curettage (D&C) under anesthesia.
This can cause adhesions otherwise known as Asherman’s Syndrome. Asherman’s syndrome can lead to infertility, miscarriage or painful periods.
Avoiding retained placenta
In some cases, a healthcare provider may choose to monitor the situation and see if the body can expel the retained tissue naturally.
It is important that there is active management of the third stage of labour in order to ensure the placenta is delivered. It is always important that the placenta is checked thoroughly when expelled to ensure that it is intact.
If there is slow delivery of the placenta then medications are used to help the uterus contract and expel the placenta. If the placenta doesn’t deliver on its own within a certain time, a healthcare provider may need to manually remove it.
In conclusion retained placenta is a serious complication that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further health risks.
Call us today
If you’re ready to discuss your situation or have any questions please contact Dr Victoria Handley today. Don’t suffer in silence. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk