Understanding Retained Placenta: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Childbirth is not a mere event but a comprehensive process. From conception to the arrival of the newborn, every step meticulously involves intricacies that contribute to the smooth progression of this incredible journey of life. Among these intricacies, one that influences post-childbirth recovery significantly is the delivery of the placenta. In this context, retained placenta gains significance as a condition that requires crucial understanding and management. Let's delve deeper into understanding retained placenta: its causes, symptoms, and management.
Understanding Retained Placenta
The placenta is a miraculous organ that joins the mother and her baby in the womb, facilitating the child's growth by providing essential nutrients and oxygen. Post birth, this organ is either naturally ejected or manually removed within 60 minutes. However, any part of the placenta that stays in the uterus post this timeframe is tagged as a retained placenta. Not to be taken lightly, this condition can lead to severe hemorrhaging and infections in mothers.
Identifying The Types
The types of retained placenta fall into three categories: placenta adherens, trapped placenta, and placenta accreta. Placenta adherens is observed when the uterus struggles to contract to expel the placenta, whereas trapped placenta is a condition where the placenta detaches itself successfully but fails to come out. The third type, known as placenta accreta, is seen when the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall.
Discerning The Causes
While the exact cause behind retained placenta remains uncertain, specific factors might increase your odds of developing this condition. These include a history of retained placenta, a medical track record of C-sections or uterine surgeries, and in obstetric cases like preterm or extremely fast deliveries. Issues associated with the uterus and placenta, such as placenta previa, might also contribute to retained placenta.
Recognizing The Symptoms
Acknowledging the symptoms associated with a retained placenta could be pivotal towards dealing with this condition effectively. Key among these are heavy bleeding within an hour following childbirth, followed by irregular bleeding weeks later, fever, foul-smelling discharge, and abdominal pain. Any of these symptoms deserve immediate medical attention to avoid adverse effects.
Intervention and Treatment
In scenarios where the placenta does not expel itself naturally post childbirth, medical assistance becomes vital. A healthcare professional might choose 'controlled cord traction' as an initial intervention, where gentle but firm pressure is applied to assist the placenta's exit. If still unsuccessful, a manual removal under anesthesia could be performed. In extreme cases, surgical interventions such as curettage or a hysterectomy might be deemed necessary.
The Road to Recovery
Healing post-retained placenta demands time and care. Mothers are usually prescribed antibiotics to treat the risk of infections, while hormones could also be recommended to aid contraction of the uterus. It is essential to take rest, maintain good hygiene, and closely monitor any abnormal signs.
Conclusion
Understanding retained placenta is vital to ensure the health of mothers post childbirth. Awareness about its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment can help in early detection and proper management, thereby supporting the mother on her restorative journey to optimal health. Childbirth is overwhelming, and navigating through unexpected complexities like a retained placenta can be distressing. Hence, it is vital for mothers to receive comprehensive prenatal care, timely medical interventions, and ample emotional support to ensure a healthy recovery journey.
