Retained placenta postpartum

Retained placenta after birth can interfere with recovery, so unusual bleeding, pain, or fever should be assessed promptly. The concern is placental tissue remaining inside the womb after delivery, sometimes noticed when postpartum bleeding changes or infection symptoms appear.

Postpartum bleeding may become heavier again, contain clots, or develop an unpleasant smell. Lower abdominal cramps, pelvic tenderness, fever, chills, or feeling weak can accompany retained tissue or infection. Normal recovery varies, and these symptoms do not prove the cause. A healthcare professional may need to examine you and use ultrasound or blood tests.

Contact your maternity service or obstetric clinician and give a clear description of the bleeding, pain, discharge, and temperature. Keep a record of changes and take your medicine list to the appointment. The team may recommend monitoring, medication, antibiotics, or a procedure to remove tissue, depending on the findings. Ask how to care for yourself while waiting and whether breastfeeding affects the plan.

Go to emergency care if bleeding is heavy, you feel faint, pain is severe, you have fever with chills, you are confused or breathless, or you feel suddenly much worse. These symptoms can signal dangerous blood loss or infection and should not wait for a routine review.

Ask whether retained tissue is confirmed or only suspected, what tests are planned, and what each treatment option involves. Check how follow-up will assess healing and which changes should trigger immediate help.