Placental expulsion

Placental expulsion refers to the stage of childbirth where the placenta is expelled from the uterus after the birth of the infant. This stage is also known as the third stage of labor.

Overview

The placental expulsion stage begins after the baby is born and ends when the placenta is delivered. This stage can last from five minutes to an hour after birth. The healthcare provider will usually wait for signs that the placenta has separated from the uterus before asking the mother to push to expel the placenta.

Signs of placental separation

There are several signs that indicate the placenta has separated from the uterus. These include:

• The uterus becomes globular
• A rise of the uterus in the abdomen
• Further protrusion of the umbilical cord out of the vagina
• A gush of blood

Management

The management of placental expulsion can be either active or expectant. In active management, the healthcare provider administers a drug to speed up the placental separation and uses controlled cord traction to help deliver the placenta. In expectant management, the placenta is allowed to expel without medical assistance.

Complications

Complications can arise if the placenta is not completely expelled, a condition known as retained placenta. This can lead to postpartum hemorrhage, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

See also

• Childbirth
• Placenta
• Uterus
• Postpartum period

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