When the placenta is the first factor to be expelled during birth, the event is known as ‘placental precocity.’ The placenta is usually expelled within 15 minutes to an hour after the baby is born.
If the placenta is expelled first, medical experts typically attempt to manually grasp it in order to be sure it is disengaged from the uterus in its entirety. If the placenta is incompletely detached, it can cause dangerous bleeding and other life-threatening complications if not addressed immediately.
Placental precocity is often caused by the rupture of the amniotic sac too soon, when the placenta is not yet disconnected from the wall of the uterus. This can lead to an issue with the fetal muscles and umbilical cord, and unique difficulties in the birthing process.
In these cases, the umbilical cord is clamped off as soon as it can be palpated and the placenta is removed by a physician as soon as possible. Other sensible steps should also be taken to ensure that haemorrhaging is prevented and the mother’s and baby’s health is not further compromised.
In general, the ordering of childbirth events is important to consider, and the potential long-term effects of a placenta that is prematurely expelled should be taken into account. Doctors are equipped to handle these events appropriately and they should be trusted to do so.
Table of Contents
What causes the placenta to come out before the baby?
The most common cause of placenta coming out before the baby is known as placental abruption. This occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus before the baby is delivered.
Placental abruption can be caused by factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, drug use, trauma to the abdomen or uterus, hypertension, diabetes, advanced maternal age, carrying multiple babies, and problems with the umbilical cord.
Placental abruption can also be caused by factors that cannot be explained. Some of the signs of placental abruption are uterine tenderness or pain, vaginal bleeding, back pain, uterine contractions that don’t stop, abrupted increased heart rate, and abdominal pain.
If the placenta abruption is severe, it can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby, including pre-term labor, uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, and even fetal death. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but can include bed rest, use of medications to stop labor, or in severe cases, a Caesarean section.
Can a baby survive placental abruption?
Yes, it is possible for a baby to survive placental abruption, where the placenta separates prematurely from the uterus. However, there can be significant risks of complications. Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients, potentially leading to health problems such as low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and stillbirth.
Survival after placental abruption depends on how significant the rupture is, how much blood has been lost, and how much oxygen has been deprived from the baby. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment can lead to the best possible outcome for both the mother and the baby.
If the abruption is mild, the medical team may decide to manage the situation conservatively and monitor the pregnancy. In more severe cases, however, the health team may need to deliver the baby early, in order to prevent complications.
Therefore, a baby can survive placental abruption, but it is important to seek prompt medical care in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
What causes placenta problems in pregnancy?
Placenta problems in pregnancy can be caused by a range of factors, many of which are completely unrelated to each other. The placenta is a vital organ for nourishing and protecting the fetus during pregnancy, and any problems or issues can affect the health of both the mother and the baby.
Some issues that can lead to placenta problems in pregnancy include:
– Previous c-section or uterine surgery: The scarring that results from a c-section or other surgery can limit the movement of the baby, which in turn can lead to placenta complications;
– Placental abruption: This rare but very serious condition occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall which can cause both heavy vaginal bleeding and decreased oxygen to the baby;
– uterine infection: infections like chlamydia can cause inflammation and can impair the placenta’s ability to properly supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby;
– Placenta previa: this occurs when the placenta covers the cervix and can cause heavy bleeding and delivery complications;
– Multiple pregnancies: such pregnancies often have a higher risk of placenta problems.
In some cases, there is no one definitive cause for problems with the placenta and it is not always possible to determine what has caused the issue. However, it’s important to identify any potential problems early to minimize any risks to both the mother and baby during pregnancy.
Is it normal for placenta to come out?
Yes, it is normal for the placenta to come out after giving birth. Usually, the placenta and the umbilical cord will come out between five and 30 minutes after your baby is born and the process is known as “delivery of the placenta” or “third stage of labor”.
The process usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes and is usually accompanied with a few contractions, although this is not always necessary. During the process, you may experience some cramping and discomfort as the placenta and umbilical cord are pushed out.
However, you should be relieved to know that this is typically not a painful experience. After the placenta and umbilical cord have been delivered, the doctor or midwife will carefully inspect the placenta and umbilical cord to make sure the entire placenta has been fully delivered.
In some cases it may be difficult to tell if all of the placenta has been delivered, and special maneuvers may be required to verify a complete placental delivery.
What are the signs that the placenta is failing?
These include a decrease in fetal movements, decreased fetal heart rate, inadequate fetal growth, and the presence of abnormal amounts of meconium in the amniotic fluid. Other signs that could indicate placental insufficiency include decreased amniotic fluid levels, uterine contractions, and a dysfunctional uterine environment.
Symptoms in the mother may include high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and excessive protein in the urine. A medical professional will likely conduct an ultrasound to confirm placental insufficiency or failure.
If the placenta is found to be falling, it is important to seek the appropriate medical treatments, such as the administration of steroids to help mature the infant’s lungs, in order to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
Can stress cause placenta problems?
Yes, stress can cause placenta problems. Stress can lead to health issues that interfere with the function of the placenta, such as high blood pressure, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and insufficient amount of nutrients delivered to the baby.
Additionally, high levels of stress can lead to a decrease in maternal immune function and cause changes in the placental structure, leading to a condition known as “placental insufficiency”. Some of the most common placenta problems linked to stress include placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall early on in the pregnancy), placenta previa (when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix), and preeclampsia (characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine).
If a mother experiences high levels of stress during her pregnancy, she should take time to relax and talk to her healthcare provider about any placenta issues that could arise.
What causes placenta abnormalities?
Placenta abnormalities can be caused by a variety of different factors, including genetics, infections, poor diet, smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and complications of diabetes. In some cases, the exact cause of a placental abnormality can be difficult to determine.
Genetic factors are one of the most common causes of placenta abnormalities. Maternal health conditions, such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions, can increase the risk for placental abnormalities.
Fetal chromosome abnormalities, such as Turner Syndrome and certain genetic disorders, can also cause abnormal placentas.
Infections during pregnancy can also lead to abnormal placentas, as can certain drugs or medication used while pregnant. Poor nutrition or smoking during pregnancy can also increase the risk of placental abnormalities.
Finally, alcohol use and drug use while pregnant can increase the risk of placental abnormalities.
To reduce the risk of developing a placental abnormality, pregnant women should eat a healthy diet, take prenatal vitamins, avoid smoking and alcohol use, and attend all scheduled prenatal care appointments.
If a woman has a pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes, she should follow her health care provider’s treatment plan to reduce her risk for complications.
How can I keep my placenta healthy during pregnancy?
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while pregnant to keep your placenta healthy. This means following a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, taking prenatal vitamins, and getting plenty of rest.
Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide your body with the vitamins and minerals that it needs to keep the placenta healthy. Make sure to take your prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Exercise can also help to keep your placenta healthy, as long as you avoid any overly vigorous exercise or activities that can be stressful for your body. Consider doing light exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming.
Additionally, it’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid any stress or anxiety in your daily life. Your healthcare provider can provide you with strategies to help manage stress. Finally, avoid smoking or substance use, which can have a negative impact on the placenta and the developing baby.
How can placenta problems be prevented?
There are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of placenta problems. The most important thing is for the mother to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular check-ups and screenings throughout the pregnancy.
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and calcium, can help keep the placenta functioning properly. Regular exercise can help to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications that may arise from the placenta.
Limiting alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can also help reduce the potential for placental damage. Additionally, mothers should discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor to be sure there won’t be any negative effects on the placenta or the fetus.
Finally, it’s important to discuss any history of blood clotting disorders or other medical issues with the healthcare provider to assure that any potential placenta problems can be treated or avoided altogether.
What happens if a piece of placenta is left inside?
If a piece of the placenta is left inside the body after childbirth, it could potentially be an extremely dangerous situation for the mother. This is known as a ‘retained placenta’, and it can cause a number of serious complications.
If a mother has a retained placenta, it is essential that she receives medical treatment straight away as the risks can be very severe.
The placenta provides essential nutrients to the baby during development, and after the baby is born, the placenta is usually expelled from the body. If a part of the placenta is left behind, it can cause a variety of problems, including heavy bleeding, infection and even shock.
The placenta can also prevent the womb from contracting properly, meaning the bleeding after the birth will be heavier, and if left untreated the mother may need a hysterectomy.
After the baby is born, it is essential that the doctor or midwife check to ensure that the entire placenta has been expelled from the mother’s body. If retained placenta is suspected, the mother should be monitored and treated as soon as possible.
Treatment typically involves manually removing the placenta from the mother’s body, or the use of medications or suction to expel it.
Retained placenta is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and it is essential that a mother receives medical treatment immediately if it is suspected. Without prompt medical attention, the risks associated with a retained placenta are extremely high.
How do you know if you have retained placental fragments?
Generally, the presence of placental fragments are confirmed by a post-partum follow-up visit with your health care provider. If suspected, they will likely do an abdominal or vaginal exam and/or order an ultrasound to confirm the presence of any retained fragments.
Additionally, some signs and symptoms that could be indicative of retained placental fragments include: increased abdominal pain and tenderness, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, and chills.
These may be accompanied by the development of an infection that can be accompanied by symptoms such as persistent pain or severe abdominal tenderness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you speak with your health care provider.
Can retained placenta come out on its own?
Yes, retained placenta can come out on its own. It usually occurs when the placenta does not separate from the wall of the uterus after the baby is delivered, known as a retained placenta. This can be a potentially serious problem for both mother and baby, as the placenta provides oxygen and nutrition to the baby before birth.
If it does not come out, it can cause serious health complications, including infection and postpartum hemorrhaging.
It is possible for a retained placenta to come out on its own; however, it can take several hours or even days. During this time, a doctor may be able to help by manually massaging the uterus and encouraging the placenta to separate.
The doctor may also attempt to physically remove the placenta, though it is not always possible. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
In general, it is very important that a retained placenta is attended to quickly, as the longer it remains in the uterus, the more serious the risks for the mother and baby can become.
How are retained placenta fragments removed?
Retained placenta fragments may need to be removed surgically, after a patient has given birth. This can be done through a procedure known as a ‘Dilation and Curettage’ (D&C). During the procedure, the cervix is dilated, so the doctor can access the uterus and manually extract any pieces of placenta or tissue that were left behind.
Depending on the individual patient and the size of the retained placental fragments, additional measures may be needed such as a hysteroscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera to allow the doctor to inspect the uterus, retrieve any fragments, and take a biopsy if necessary.
What is the treatment for retained placenta?
Retained placenta, or retained products of conception, requires both medical management and surgical treatment. Depending on several factors, such as the time since delivery and the cause of the retained placenta, doctors may follow one of two approaches.
The first approach is a manual removal of the placenta by a doctor. This procedure may be done shortly after delivery or several weeks later. The other approach is medicamento-therapy, where medicines are used to promote the expulsion of the placenta.
This method is usually chosen if the manual removal may be too risky or if the patient is unwilling to undergo the procedure.
Medical treatment may include oxytocin, misoprostol, and sulprostone. These medicines help the uterus to contract and expel the placenta. It can also help reduce potential hemorrhaging. Other medical treatments include antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
If medical therapy fails or the retained placenta is too large to pass through the cervix naturally, a surgical treatment such as a dilation and curettage (D&C) will be necessary. During an D&C, a doctor widens the cervix and then uses a spoon-like instrument to manually remove the products of conception.
In any case, the doctor will closely monitor the patient for any signs of infection or other issues. Treatment for retained placenta and any complications should always be tailored to the individual and their unique situation.
