continued:

Placenta: How it works, what's normal

What are signs or symptoms of placental problems?

Consult your health care provider during pregnancy if you notice:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Severe back pain
  • Rapid uterine contractions

What can I do to reduce my risk of placental problems?

Most placental problems can't be directly prevented. However, you can take steps to promote a healthy pregnancy. For example:

  • Visit your health care provider regularly throughout your pregnancy
  • Work with your health care provider to manage any health conditions, such as high blood pressure
  • Don't smoke or use illegal drugs
  • Don't pursue an elective C-section

If you've had a placental problem during a previous pregnancy and are planning another pregnancy, talk to your health care provider about ways to reduce the risk of experiencing the condition again. Expect your health care provider to carefully monitor your condition throughout the pregnancy.

How is the placenta delivered?

If you deliver your baby vaginally, you'll also deliver the placenta vaginally — during what's known as the third stage of labor. After you give birth, you'll continue to have mild contractions. Your health care provider might massage your lower abdomen to encourage your uterus to contract and expel the placenta. You might be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta, which usually comes out with a small gush of blood. The placenta is typically delivered in about five minutes. In some cases, it might take up to 30 minutes. If you have a C-section, your health care provider will remove the placenta from your uterus during the procedure.

Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's intact. Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta. In some cultures, families bury the placenta in a special place, such as their backyards. Some women also cook and eat the placenta, a practice known as human placentophagy.

If you have questions about the placenta or placental problems during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider. He or she can help you better understand the placenta's role.

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References
  1. Roberts DJ. Gross examination of the placenta. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  2. Roberts V, et al. Placental development and physiology. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  3. Resnik R. Diagnosis and management of placenta accreta. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  4. Lockwood CJ, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  5. Weeks A. Diagnosis and management of retained placenta after vaginal birth. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  6. Lockwood CJ, et al. Management of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  7. Young SM, et al. In search of human placentophagy: A cross-cultural survey of human placenta consumption, disposal practices, and cultural beliefs. Ecology of Food and Nutrition. 2010;49:467.
  8. Oyelese Y, et al. Management and outcome of pregnancies complicated by placental abruption. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  9. Ananth CV, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of placental abruption. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  10. DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2383972. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  11. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2010:373.
  12. Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008. http://www.danforthsobgyn.com. Accessed Jan. 12, 2012.
  13. Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50014-1--cesec19&isbn=978-0-443-06930-7&uniqId=312102608-2#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06930-7..50014-1--cesec19. Accessed Jan. 13, 2012.
  14. Silverman F, et al. Management of the third stage of labor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2012.
  15. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Technique. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Jan. 13, 2012.
MY01945 March 28, 2012

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