It’s Crucial To Treat RPOCs Right Away
If you have symptoms of retained placental fragments, you MUST seek medical attention immediately. The sooner it is treated, the better. Left untreated, RPOCs can lead to infection, blood loss, and even death.
To treat RPOCs, the doctor may:
- Give you misoprostol or medicines that will induce labor so that the uterus will contract and expel the fragments.
- Perform dilation and curettage, a minor surgery where they will remove the contents of the uterus with the use of a curette or suction.
Misoprostol is not associated with any significant risk, but D&C have a risk for bleeding, infection, scarring, or perforation (a hole is formed in the uterus). Most women who receive treatment for RPOCs can get pregnant again, but some scarring in the uterus may cause fertility issues.
Key Takeaways
Retained placental fragments occur when the body does not completely expel tissues from the placenta or fetus. Symptoms of this condition may occur days, weeks, or even months after giving birth. If you’re suffering from postpartum bleeding or uterine pain, see a doctor right away. The sooner you get treatment for retained placental fragments, the better.
Learn more about Labor and Delivery here.
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