A retained placenta can be an expected turn in an otherwise uncomplicated delivery.

What you will learn in this episode:

• What happens in an uncomplicated delivery of the placenta
• What is a retained placenta?
• Signs and symptoms present at the third stage of labour to show a retained placenta
• Different methods of treatment to expect if you have a retained placenta.
• Differences between retained placenta and retained products of conception.

[1.09] Dr Pat talks about the normal stages of the delivery of the placenta, normally around an hour after the birth and is dependent on protocols at your hospital. The placenta, in most births, comes out quite easily

[3.17] Dr Pat defines a retained placenta as a whole placenta that is still in place after an hour. The placenta can also come out in pieces, so it is important to make sure that all of the placenta has come out by piecing it back together to ensure it has completely delivered.

[4.37] Dr Pat and Brigid talk about the prevalence of retained placentas occurring in around 1-3% of people.

]5.20] Dr Pat covers reasons of why a retained placenta may occur, such as the placenta adhering to the uterine wall, early closure of the cervix, the cord may break during cord traction, and placenta accreta.

[5.55] Dr Pat talks about some reasons as to why the cervix may close too early, and why some uteruses don’t clamp back down properly.

[9.10] Dr Pat talks about retained placentas in caesarean births, and the diagnosis and methods of placenta removals.

[10.10] Dr Pat talks about the differences between retained placenta and retained products of conception. A retained placenta occurs in the third stage of labour and is diagnosed by time taken for delivery and heavy bleeding.

[12:06] Dr Pat talks about the symptoms of the retained products of conception.

[14.10] Dr Pat talks about the method of treatment such as controlled cord traction, emptying the bladder, medication (syntocinon) that helps the uterus contract tightly.

[16.08] Dr Pat talks about the contractions that occur as the woman is trying to deliver the placenta.

[16.44] Dr Pat talks about the different types of anaesthetic or pain relief that is used in theatre in the case of a manual removal of placenta, and what occur in a manual removal of placenta.

[18.22] Breastfeeding your baby after birth can also help your placenta to come out without assistance.

[18.40] Dr Pat talks about what occurs in theatre if the placenta is still attached to the uterine wall and cannot be removed manually.

[21.30] Dr Pat talks about how retained products of conception is treated and some of the symptoms a woman may experience.

[23.04] Myth or Fact: there is a limit to the number of caesareans a women can have.