Retained Placenta: What It Is and How to Handle It

If you’ve just given birth and the placenta doesn’t come out on its own, you’re probably hearing the term “retained placenta.” It’s not a scary medical phrase—just a description of a real situation where the uterus holds onto part or all of the placental tissue after delivery.

Why the Placenta Might Stay Behind

The most common reasons are simple: the placenta can be stuck to the uterine wall, it might be unusually large, or the uterus may not contract strongly enough. Certain birth scenarios—like a quick labor, use of certain medications, or a previous C‑section—can raise the odds. Even if you’re healthy and had an uncomplicated pregnancy, a retained placenta can still happen.

When the placental tissue hangs around, it blocks the uterus from shrinking back to its normal size. That can lead to heavy bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) because the blood vessels where the placenta was attached stay open. It also raises the risk of infection if the tissue starts rotting inside.

How to Get Help Quickly

The first sign is usually that the placenta hasn’t been delivered within 30 minutes after the baby is born. You might feel a lot more bleeding than usual, or notice that the uterus feels soft instead of firm. If you’re at home, call your midwife, OB‑GYN, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

Medical teams have three main ways to clear a retained placenta: gentle massage of the uterus (called controlled cord traction), medication that makes the uterus contract (like oxytocin), and in some cases a quick procedure called manual removal where a doctor uses a gloved hand to pull out the remaining tissue.

All three methods aim to stop bleeding fast and prevent infection. After the placenta is removed, doctors will watch your vital signs for a while, give you medication to keep the uterus tight, and may prescribe antibiotics if there’s any sign of infection.

What you can do at home after treatment is simple but crucial: rest as much as possible, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy lifting for at least a few weeks. Keep an eye on your bleeding—light spotting is normal, but soaking through more than one pad per hour signals a problem.

If you notice fever, foul‑smelling discharge, or worsening pain, call your healthcare provider immediately. Those could be signs of infection that need antibiotics right away.

Knowing the warning signs and acting fast makes all the difference. Most women who get timely care recover fully without long‑term issues. The key is to stay aware, trust your instincts, and not hesitate to ask for help if something feels off.