retained placenta
Failure of the placenta to deliver spontaneously within 30 minutes of fetal birth. May be partial or complete retention.
Full Definition
A complication of the third stage of labor in which all or part of the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall beyond 30 minutes after delivery of the fetus. Retained placenta occurs in 1-3% of vaginal deliveries and can be classified as trapped placenta (separated but trapped by a closing cervix), placenta adherenta (abnormally adherent but not invasive), or placenta accreta spectrum (abnormally invasive implantation). Risk factors include previous cesarean delivery, advanced maternal age, preterm delivery, and history of retained placenta. Complications include postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and the need for surgical intervention. Management may involve controlled cord traction, pharmacological agents, manual removal under anesthesia, or surgical procedures depending on the degree of adherence and clinical presentation.
Usage
Usage note: Always document timing (e.g., 'retained at 45 minutes post-delivery') and specify if partial or complete retention.
In Context
- "Manual removal of retained placenta was performed under regional anesthesia." — Operative procedure note
- "The patient developed retained placenta requiring emergency surgical intervention." — Delivery complication summary