Retained Placenta Problems

Signs of a problem are the mother complaining that she feels hot, but her temperature is normal to touch, excessive bleeding, a bulging extruded belly, pains and feeling sick or unwell.

Lochia may change in appearance drastically and smell extremely bad.

Signs of a retained placenta may not be visible until days or weeks later, when it causes infection or illnesses.

What to Do

Checking the placenta after it is birthed to make sure it is whole and allowing for a natural, gentle third stage will help to ensure that all of the placenta comes out.

The homeopathic secale is said to be good for retained placentas, likewise, taking angelicia tincture or ground ivy infusion. Read on Delayed Birth of Placentas for more information - this can assist in retained pieces of placentas or membranes as well.

Delayed Placenta

If the mother is feeling fine, and there appears to be no excessive bleeding, it is okay to wait for the placenta (some take 30 minutes, some take 30 hours or 3 weeks!!), or pieces of it if the placenta birthed was not complete.

If there is a concern about hidden bleeding, check the position of the top of the fundus (mark it) and check again in a few minutes. If there is bleeding, the fundus will get higher.

Preventing Infection

Some agents effective against infection that can be used for several weeks are; - collodial silver, grapefruit seed extract, enchincaea infusion, garlic/vit c supplements etc.

Most women will take stuff to support their immune system and to prevent infection from setting in if they suspect retained placenta or membranes and intend on waiting for their body to take care of it.

Have faith in your body, it will shed the lining of the uterus over a few weeks if you have attached, retained membranes or pieces of placenta in there. It all comes out eventually!

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