Retained Placenta: Signs, Causes, And How To Treat

When the placenta does not fully detach from the uterine wall after childbirth, it is called retained placenta. This can lead to complications and require medical intervention. The exact cause of retained placenta is not always clear, but factors like a history of uterine surgeries or infections may increase the risk. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have a retained placenta to prevent potential complications. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance and treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

What Are the Symptoms of Retained Placenta

Other symptoms include fever, foul-smelling discharge, and abdominal pain. It's essential to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have a retained placenta to prevent complications.

Heavy bleeding that continues after childbirth may be accompanied by severe cramping or pain in the lower abdomen.
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge that persists beyond the normal postpartum period, indicating a possible infection due to the retained placenta.
Feeling weak, dizzy, or lightheaded, along with persistent fatigue and difficulty in regaining strength after giving birth.
Prolonged or delayed onset of milk production for breastfeeding, as the retained placenta, can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for lactation.
Persistent fever or chills are signs of infection that can develop when the placenta remains in the uterus.

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Causes of Retained Placenta

Other causes include placental accreta, increta, or percreta, where the placenta invades the uterine wall too deeply. Inflammation or infection of the placental tissues, previous cesarean sections, or multiple pregnancies can also contribute to retained placenta.

Retained placenta can be caused by uterine atony, which is when the uterus fails to contract properly after childbirth, preventing the placenta from detaching.
Incomplete placental separation during delivery can lead to retained placenta, where parts of the placenta remain attached to the uterus.
Uterine abnormalities, such as a septate uterus or fibroids, can increase the risk of retained placenta by interfering with the proper expulsion of the placenta.
Placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta is abnormally attached to the uterine wall, can result in retained placenta due to difficulties in detachment.
Maternal factors such as advanced maternal age, multiparity.

Types Of Retained Placenta

There are two main types of retained placenta: partial and complete. Partial retention occurs when only a portion of the placenta remains in the uterus after childbirth, while complete retention means that the entire placenta has not been expelled. Both types can lead to complications such as infection and excessive bleeding if not promptly treated by a healthcare provider.

Placenta Adherens: This type of retained placenta occurs when the placenta attaches firmly to the uterine wall, making it challenging to deliver naturally.
Placenta Increta: In this condition, the placenta invades the uterine wall, leading to difficulties in detaching it after childbirth and increasing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Placenta Percreta: Considered the most severe form of retained placenta, placenta percreta occurs when the placenta penetrates through the uterine wall and sometimes even reaches nearby organs like the bladder.
Partial Retained Placenta: This type involves only a portion of the placenta remaining

Risk Factors

Risk factors for retained placenta include previous cesarean section, uterine fibroids, placenta previa, advanced maternal age, prolonged labor, and multiple pregnancies. Other factors such as placental abruption, maternal obesity, and history of previous retained placenta can also increase the likelihood of experiencing this complication during childbirth. Early recognition and prompt management are crucial in preventing complications.

Previous history of retained placenta increases the risk of experiencing the condition in subsequent pregnancies.
Prolonged labor, particularly if it exceeds 12 hours, is a significant risk factor for retained placenta.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies are at a higher risk of developing retained placenta compared to those with fewer pregnancies.
Maternal age over 35 years is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing retained placenta.
Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, can increase the risk of retained placenta during childbirth.

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Diagnosis of Retained Placenta

Your healthcare provider will check for bleeding, examine your abdomen, and may use ultrasound to look for any remaining placental tissue. Blood tests can help determine if there is an infection. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment and to prevent complications.

Physical examination: A healthcare provider may conduct a manual examination of the uterus to feel for any remaining placental tissue.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan can visualize the presence of retained placenta fragments within the uterine cavity.
Blood tests: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a measure of the pregnancy hormone hCG, can help in diagnosing retained placenta.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In some cases, an MRI may be used to provide detailed images of the uterus and detect any retained placental tissue.
Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy procedure involves inserting a thin, lighted tube through the cervix to view the inside of the

Treatment for Retained Placenta

Treatment options for Retained Placenta include manual removal by a healthcare provider, medication to help the uterus contract and expel the placenta, or a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the placenta. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for the best outcome.

Manual Removal: In cases where the placenta remains inside the uterus after childbirth, healthcare providers may opt for a manual removal procedure under anesthesia to prevent complications like infection or hemorrhage.
Medications: Oxytocin or other uterotonic medications may be administered to help the uterus contract and expel the retained placenta, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Curettage: Curettage involves scraping the uterine lining to remove any remaining placental tissue, aiding in the expulsion of the retained placenta and reducing the risk of postpartum complications.
Balloon Tamponade: In some situations, a balloon catheter may be inserted into the uterus and inflated to apply pressure, helping to

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Frequently Asked Questions

What early signs should I look for with Retained Placenta?

Early signs of Retained Placenta include prolonged bleeding, severe cramping, foul-smelling discharge, and fever. Prompt medical attention is crucial.

What are the recommended do's and don'ts for managing Retained Placenta?

Do seek prompt medical attention. Don't attempt to remove the placenta yourself. Follow your healthcare provider's advice for treatment and monitoring.

Are there any risks associated with untreated Retained Placenta?

Yes, risks of untreated retained placenta include infection, heavy bleeding, and potential damage to the uterus. Treatment is important to prevent complications.