Retained placenta symptoms: what to know

Retained placenta means that placental tissue, or tissue left after a pregnancy ends, has not fully passed from the uterus. Bleeding may remain heavier than expected or return after it had started to settle. Cramping, tenderness low in the abdomen, an unpleasant-smelling discharge, chills, and fever can occur when infection develops. Some people have few symptoms at first, so a postnatal or post-miscarriage examination may be needed even when bleeding seems manageable.

Contact a maternity, gynaecology, or emergency service promptly if these symptoms occur. Tell the clinician when the birth or pregnancy loss happened, how often you are changing pads, whether clots are passing, and whether you have pain, dizziness, or fever. Do not put anything into the vagina while waiting for advice, and use pads rather than tampons so bleeding can be observed. Assessment may include an examination, blood tests, and an ultrasound.

Seek emergency care for bleeding that rapidly soaks pads, faintness, severe or worsening pain, a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, confusion, or a high fever with shaking chills. These signs can indicate significant blood loss or infection and need immediate assessment. If bleeding is persistent, foul-smelling, or accompanied by fever without those emergency features, arrange same-day medical advice.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest retained tissue, which tests are appropriate, and what changes should trigger emergency care. You can also ask how long bleeding should be monitored, whether treatment is needed, and what follow-up will confirm that the uterus has cleared.