Retained Placenta

Retained placenta describes the situation where the placenta fails to separate from the wall of the uterus and be expelled by uterine contraction after the baby has been delivered. This is described as the third stage of labour, and it is usually assisted by an injection containing a chemical called ergometrine together with oxytocin. If the placenta fails to be delivered and the uterus to contract there is a risk of post partum haemorrhage (described in this section). The placenta may be removed manually, possibly under anaesthetic.

 
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