What happens if the afterbirth is not removed?

Retained placenta occurs when the placenta does not deliver within 30 minutes after childbirth. If the placenta is not removed, it can cause serious complications, including:

* Hemorrhage: The placenta is a rich source of blood vessels, and if it is not removed, it can continue to bleed after childbirth. This can lead to severe anemia and even death.

* Infection: The placenta is a foreign object in the uterus, and if it is not removed, it can become infected. This can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream.

* Asherman's syndrome: Asherman's syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus, preventing the implantation of an embryo. This can lead to infertility.

* Placental abruption: Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can cause severe bleeding and even death.