What happens when whole placenta is left in body after birth?

When the entire placenta is left in the body after birth, it is called retained placenta. This is a rare but serious condition that can lead to several complications, including:

1. Hemorrhage: The placenta is a highly vascular organ, and its retention can cause excessive bleeding, leading to anemia and shock.

2. Infection (Sepsis): The retained placenta provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to infection of the uterus and other reproductive organs. This infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

3. Uterine Inversion: In rare cases, the retained placenta can cause the uterus to turn inside out (uterine inversion). This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

4. Asherman Syndrome: Retained placenta can lead to the formation of scar tissue inside the uterus, a condition called Asherman syndrome. This can cause infertility or recurrent miscarriages in future pregnancies.

5. Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Retained placenta can trigger a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where the blood's ability to clot is disrupted, leading to widespread bleeding and organ damage.

6. Psychological Impact: Retained placenta can also have psychological effects on the mother, causing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of retained placenta. The retained placenta is usually removed manually by a healthcare professional, often requiring surgery. This procedure carries risks of its own, including uterine damage, scarring, and infection. Therefore, it is essential for women to receive proper prenatal care and timely management of labor and delivery to prevent the occurrence of retained placenta.