Does retained placenta cause heavy bleeding after birth?

After the baby is born, the placenta usually separates from the uterine wall. If part or all of it remains inside the uterus, the open blood vessels at that attachment site may continue to bleed. The uterus may also stay softer than expected. Bleeding can begin soon after delivery or continue later, sometimes with cramping, clots, fever, or an unpleasant-smelling discharge. Heavy bleeding has other causes as well, including poor uterine contraction or injury, so the symptom alone cannot identify retained placenta.

Tell the maternity team immediately about bleeding that is increasing, soaking pads quickly, passing large clots, or making you feel weak or faint. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, uterine firmness, and the placenta, and may use an ultrasound examination. Management can include medicines to help the uterus contract, antibiotics when infection is suspected, or a procedure to remove remaining tissue. Do not wait for a routine postnatal appointment if bleeding feels abnormal.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for sudden or heavy bleeding, faintness, confusion, breathlessness, chest discomfort, severe abdominal pain, or a racing heartbeat. Fever or foul-smelling discharge after birth also needs prompt medical review. Sit or lie down while arranging help, keep your baby safe with another adult if possible, and take your maternity records or medicines list.

Ask whether the placenta appeared complete, what may be causing the bleeding, and whether an ultrasound or examination is needed. Clarify the proposed treatment, pain relief, signs of infection, follow-up timing, and how to monitor bleeding at home.