Retained placenta

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 labour.^[1][1]

In humans

In humans, retained placenta is generally defined as a placenta that has not undergone placental expulsion within 30 minutes of the baby’s birth.^[2]

Risks of retained placenta include hemorrhage and infection.

Management

Stimulation of uterine contractions by an intraumbilical or intramuscular^[2] oxytocin injection appears to be a useful and inexpensive non-surgical and non-aggressive method of inducing placental expulsion.^[3] It is also useful ensuring the bladder is empty.^[2] However, ergometrine should not be given as it causes tonic uterine contractions which may delay placental expulsion.^[2] Controlled cord traction has been recommended as a second alternative after more than 30 minutes have passed after stimulation of uterine contractions, provided the uterus is contracted.^[2] Manual extraction may be required if cord traction also fails,^[2] or if heavy ongoing bleeding occurs. Very rarely a curettage is necessary to ensure that no remnants of the placenta remain (in rare conditions with very adherent placenta such as a placenta accreta.

However, in birth centers and attended home birth environments, it is common for licensed care providers to wait for the placenta's birth up to 2 hours in some instances.

In cattle

Retention of fetal membranes (afterbirth) is observed more frequently in cattle, than in other animals. In a normal condition, a cow’s placenta is expelled within a 12-hour period after calving.^[4]

References

This human reproduction article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e