Retained Placenta

A retained placenta is the medical phrase used to describe a situation in which some parts of the placenta remain in the woman’s uterus after she gives birth. These pieces of placenta can prevent the uterus from properly contracting to close off the blood flow from the blood vessels inside of the uterus. Due to the risks of hemorrhage, the doctor or midwife is expected to treat a retained placenta within the first hour after birth.

However, there are instances in which the doctor or midwife fails to properly treat the retained placenta. When this occurs, there are many complications that can arise. If you have suffered a retained placenta as a result of a doctor’s negligence, you may be able to receive financial compensation. To learn more, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today by calling 610-667-7511.

Complications Associated with a Retained Placenta

There are many potential complications that can occur in the case of a retained placenta. Some of the most common complications include:

• Primary postpartum hemorrhage—this is characterized by heavy bleeding within the first 24 hours after birth

• Secondary postpartum hemorrhage—this is characterized by heavy bleeding after the first 24 hours after birth

• Infection—the retained pieces of the placenta could cause infection days after birth

If you have experienced uncharacteristic bleeding or infection after birth, you may be suffering from a retained placenta.

Contact Us

If your doctor failed to properly ensure that the entire placenta was effectively delivered from your uterus, you may be able to seek damages for this terrible act of medical malpractice. If you have reason to believe that your retained placenta complications were caused by negligence on the part of your doctor, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today. You can reach us by calling 610-667-7511.