What condition indicates that the placenta has been retained after delivery?

The retention of the placenta following delivery is primarily indicated by the absence of uterine contractions. Normally, after a vaginal delivery, the uterus continues to contract to expel the placenta. If these contractions are lacking or insufficient, it suggests that the placenta may not have separated properly from the uterine wall, leading to retention.

In cases where the placenta is retained, the uterus does not firm up as it should, which can lead to complications such as hemorrhage due to the lack of a fully contracted uterine muscle to compress the blood vessels. This absence of contractions is a crucial signal that healthcare providers monitor to assess the postpartum status of the patient.

While heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and postpartum fever can be associated with postpartum complications, they are not direct indicators of retained placenta. Instead, they may arise from other issues, such as uterine atony or infection, which can occur independently or as a consequence of retained placental tissue. Understanding that the primary indicator of retained placenta is the absence of expected uterine contractions helps in making appropriate clinical decisions and monitoring postpartum recovery effectively.