Retained placenta and membranes, without hemorrhage digital illustration

Retained placenta and membranes, without hemorrhage Save


ICD-10 code: O73

Chapter: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

Retained Placenta and Membranes, without Hemorrhage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Retained placenta and membranes, without hemorrhage, is a condition that occurs when the placenta or the membranes that surround the baby during pregnancy are not expelled from the uterus after delivery. This can lead to complications and requires prompt medical attention.

Causes

Retained placenta and membranes can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  1. Incomplete separation of the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery
  2. Weakened contractions of the uterus
  3. Abnormal positioning of the placenta
  4. Previous uterine surgery
  5. Infection
Symptoms

The symptoms of retained placenta and membranes may not be immediately apparent, and can include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Fever and chills
  • Difficulty passing urine
Treatments

The treatment for retained placenta and membranes will depend on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In many cases, a manual removal of the placenta will be necessary. This is typically performed under local anesthesia and involves the insertion of the hand into the uterus to remove the placenta and membranes.

In cases where manual removal is not possible or is not successful, a surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary. This involves dilating the cervix and scraping the uterine lining to remove the placenta and membranes.

Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat any underlying infection, and pain medication can help to manage discomfort during recovery.

Conclusion

Retained placenta and membranes, without hemorrhage, is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. It can be caused by a number of factors, and the symptoms may not be immediately apparent. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with retained placenta and membranes, it is important to seek medical help immediately.