Types of retained placenta

One pattern is a placenta that does not separate from the uterine wall after delivery. Another is a placenta that separates partly but does not pass. A third pattern is retained fragments of placenta or membranes after some tissue has already been delivered. These descriptions help clinicians choose an assessment and treatment plan.

Possible features include ongoing or heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, fever, unpleasant-smelling discharge, or the uterus not shrinking as expected. Symptoms can be mild at first, so follow-up after delivery or pregnancy loss matters even when bleeding seems manageable.

A clinician may ask about the delivery or pregnancy loss, examine you, and use ultrasound when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment depends on bleeding, infection risk, the amount of tissue suspected, and your recovery. Options can include observation in selected situations, medicine to help the uterus contract, or removal of tissue.

If a procedure is recommended, ask what it involves, how pain relief will be provided, and what warning signs to monitor afterwards. Surgical management of miscarriage is one related treatment pathway when retained tissue follows pregnancy loss.

Contact your maternity or gynaecology team promptly for increasing bleeding, worsening pain, fever, chills, dizziness, or discharge with an unpleasant smell. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding that makes you weak or faint, collapse, breathing difficulty, or severe abdominal pain. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms are present.

Ask whether the concern is an attached placenta, partly passed placenta, or retained fragments; whether an ultrasound is needed; and which treatment best matches your bleeding and examination. Ask how to care for yourself at home, when to return, and how future pregnancy planning will be supported.