Retained placenta diagnosis

Retained placenta is diagnosed by combining your symptoms with examination, ultrasound findings, and sometimes blood tests. No single symptom proves that tissue remains in the womb. The timing of bleeding, pain, fever, and delivery details helps the clinician decide how urgently to investigate.

The clinician may ask how the placenta appeared after birth, how postpartum bleeding has changed, and whether you have cramps, tenderness, fever, chills, or unusual discharge. An abdominal or pelvic examination can identify tenderness or an enlarged womb. Ultrasound may show tissue or another explanation for bleeding, although appearances can overlap with normal postpartum changes. Blood tests can help assess anaemia or infection.

Write down when symptoms began and whether they are improving or worsening. Note pad use, clots, pain location, temperature readings, and the medicines you take. Tell the clinician about the type of birth, any complications, and whether you are breastfeeding. Take urgent advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment if bleeding or illness is increasing.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, dizziness or fainting, severe pelvic pain, high fever, confusion, breathlessness, or a rapidly worsening condition. These signs may reflect blood loss or serious infection, whether or not retained tissue is ultimately found.

Ask what the scan showed, whether a repeat assessment is needed, and how the team will separate retained tissue from clot or normal healing. Ask about treatment choices, expected recovery, and the symptoms that should bring you back urgently.