Retained placenta 3 weeks after birth

Symptoms three weeks after birth can signal retained placental tissue or infection and need prompt maternity assessment. Retained placenta means placental tissue remains in the womb after delivery; it may cause ongoing or renewed bleeding, cramps, pelvic tenderness, or fever.

Post-birth bleeding normally changes and gradually becomes lighter, but a new increase, clots, unpleasant smell, or worsening pain is different. Tissue left in the womb can prevent it from contracting fully and can support infection. A delayed presentation does not establish the diagnosis: similar symptoms may have other causes, so examination and testing are needed.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent gynaecology service today and describe the bleeding, pain, temperature, and discharge. The clinician may examine you, arrange an ultrasound, check blood tests, and discuss medicines or a procedure to remove tissue. Keep track of pad changes and avoid putting anything in the vagina until you have been advised. Continue prescribed medicines unless the treating team tells you otherwise.

Go to emergency care for heavy bleeding, faintness, breathlessness, a racing heartbeat, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, high fever, confusion, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Infection and blood loss can worsen quickly after birth.

Ask whether an ultrasound is needed, what treatment is being considered, how breastfeeding may affect medicines, and which changes in bleeding require immediate return. Ask when follow-up will confirm that the womb is empty and recovery is progressing.