How is a retained placenta treated?

How is a Retained Placenta Treated?

A retained placenta occurs when a portion of the placenta remains in the uterus after delivery. Fortunately, there are several methods available to treat and remove a retained placenta.

Medical Treatments

The medical treatments for retained placenta include the following:

• Manual Removal – A physician can manually remove the placenta, using their fingers and instruments to free it from the uterus.
• Uterine Massage – Uterine massage involves pressing gently on the uterus to encourage the placenta to come out.
• Vacuum Extraction – This procedure uses a vacuum device to remove the placenta from the uterus.
• Medication – Your physician may prescribe medication to help the uterus contract, which may help expel the placenta naturally.

Surgical Treatments

Wehn medical treatments do not work, surgical removal may be necessary. The two main methods used are:

• Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – D&C is a minor surgical procedure in which a doctor dilates the cervix and uses a curette to scrape the placenta out of the uterus.
• Hysterectomy – In some cases, a doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the placenta. This is usually only done if the other treatments have failed.

In most cases, a retained placenta can be removed safely and without complications. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a retained placenta, as complications can occur.