Retained placenta treatment: what to expect

A clinician first considers your symptoms and stability. If tissue may pass without immediate intervention and you are well, close monitoring may be discussed. Medication can sometimes help the uterus contract, while antibiotics may be prescribed when infection is suspected or confirmed. If bleeding is heavy, tissue is firmly attached, or symptoms continue, a procedure to remove the tissue may be recommended. The suitable approach depends on whether this followed birth, miscarriage, or another pregnancy event.

Bring a record of when bleeding began, how it has changed, any clots, pain, temperature readings, and medicines or allergies. The team may perform an examination, arrange an ultrasound, and check blood tests. Ask what will happen before a procedure, what pain relief or anaesthesia is planned, and how follow-up will be arranged. Surgical management is one possible route when tissue needs to be removed.

Go to emergency care for rapidly increasing bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, or fever with shaking chills. These symptoms can reflect blood loss or infection. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Even without emergency symptoms, contact your maternity or gynaecology team promptly for ongoing bleeding, worsening pain, fever, or an unpleasant-smelling discharge.

Ask which treatment is recommended and why, what alternatives are reasonable, and how quickly a decision is needed. Clarify expected bleeding after treatment, warning signs, follow-up testing, and when it is sensible to resume sex, exercise, or trying for another pregnancy.