Placenta Delivery
We have this question asked quite often and that is, how difficult is what is the process behind placenta delivery? It’s a pretty simple process.
What is Placenta Delivery?
Placenta delivery is the afterbirth process that happens directly after childbirth. The placenta delivery will happen anywhere from a few minutes after your child is born up to 30 minutes afterward. This process is also called the third stage of labor. The birthing of the placenta can be quite easy, but some practitioners may ask you to continue to push, or they may press on your stomach as a means to advance the placenta delivery forward.
The birthing of the placenta is much easier than the delivery of the baby. The uterus will continue to contract after the baby is birthed. Placenta delivery involves much milder contractions, typically with some massage to the abdomen. The process is easy and may also involve a very slight pull on the umbilical cord.
Many times we’ve had the experience that the mother is so encompassed in the amazing moment the baby is born and holding the child, that the mother may not even notice the placenta delivery. However, some people will experience an additional gush of blood after the baby’s delivery that’s usually followed by the placenta.
If you are involved in a hospital birth that includes a cesarean section the placenta delivery will be retrieved from the incision in the abdomen. If your placenta is birthed naturally or through C-Section, the placenta will be thoroughly examined.
The entire placenta must come out during this process. If any parts of the placenta are left behind they will have to be completely removed. Your midwife or doctor will help you in this process. Placenta delivery is typically an easy process.
Retained Placenta
Placenta delivery should complete within 30 to 60 minutes after the baby has been delivered. When the placenta delivery doesn’t happen smoothly and comes out in pieces, it’s called a retained placenta.
Here are some possibilities as to why the placenta delivery did not go as expected:
- The cervix has already closed leaving behind a small piece or possibly larger portion of the placenta
- Too much time has passed for complete placenta delivery.
- The placenta is secured to the wall of the uterus very tightly.
- During delivery, the entire placenta did not pass through the uterus and left a part attached to the uterus wall.
- Placenta accreta and placenta percreta.
A normal process for the uterus is to clamp back down after placenta delivery to stop blood loss and begin healing soon after the baby’s delivery. Your practitioner is well aware of this and will guide you through the timing and process for the placenta delivery. If there is still placenta retained in the uterus after this process it can cause complications like dangerous bleeding and infection. In extreme and rare situations it can even call for a hysterectomy. Please consult with your practitioner ahead of time if you have a history of retained placenta, cesarean section, or uterine fibroids. Other issues can
Healthy Placenta
1) Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about any concerns about your placenta or placenta delivery.
2) Tell your midwife about any surgeries you’ve had on your uterus or previous placenta issues from past births.
3) Stay off drugs, alcohol, or anything that might cause damage to your baby or placenta during pregnancy.
4) Consult with your healthcare provider about any over-the-counter meds or natural supplements you may be taking.
5) Talk to your midwife if you are experiencing any severe abdominal or back pain. As well as any bleeding or contractions.
Placenta Pills
If it is your desire to take your placenta away from the placenta delivery process for encapsulation consult your practitioner beforehand.
