Retained placenta

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Retained placenta
Synonyms Placental retention
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Postpartum hemorrhage, abdominal pain, fever
Complications Infection, uterine atony, hemorrhagic shock
Onset Immediately after childbirth
Duration Varies, depending on treatment
Types N/A
Causes Uterine atony, placenta accreta, trapped placenta
Risks Prolonged labor, preterm birth, multiple pregnancies
Diagnosis Ultrasound, manual examination
Differential diagnosis Uterine inversion, retained products of conception
Prevention Active management of the third stage of labor
Treatment Manual removal, oxytocin, curettage
Medication Oxytocin, misoprostol
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Occurs in about 0.5-3% of births
Deaths N/A


Retained placenta is a condition that occurs when all or part of the placenta or membranes are left behind in the uterus during the third stage of childbirth. This can lead to severe postpartum hemorrhage and can be life-threatening.

Definition[edit | edit source]

A retained placenta is diagnosed when the placenta is not expelled from the woman's body within 30 to 60 minutes after birth. There are three types of retained placenta: placenta adh√¶rens, trapped placenta, and placenta accreta.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of retained placenta is unknown, but it is more likely to occur in premature births and in women who have had a previous retained placenta. Other risk factors include a history of cesarean section, uterine fibroids, and placenta previa.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of a retained placenta include prolonged bleeding, cramping, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and hemorrhage.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for a retained placenta involves removing the placenta from the uterus. This can be done manually or with medication. In some cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies for retained placenta include active management of the third stage of labor, which involves giving the mother medications to help expel the placenta and prevent heavy bleeding.

See also[edit | edit source]

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