After delivery, the placenta should separate and be delivered within 30 minutes for a managed third stage, or within 60 minutes for a physiological third stage. When it does not — retained placenta — the risk of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and infection increases with time. Management involves oxytocin, controlled cord traction, and where these fail, manual removal of placenta (MROP) under anaesthetic, or surgical evacuation. When retained placenta is mismanaged — delayed treatment, failure to recognise haemorrhage, inadequate MROP technique — the consequences can include major haemorrhage, emergency hysterectomy, and sometimes death.
Common negligence scenarios
- Delayed recognition of retained placenta causing haemorrhage
- Failure to administer oxytocin promptly
- Delayed MROP when conservative measures fail, causing escalating haemorrhage
- Infection following retained products of conception (RPOC) not treated promptly
- Emergency hysterectomy required due to haemorrhage from retained placenta — where earlier intervention would have prevented this outcome
- Failure to perform uterine scan to confirm complete placental delivery
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I needed an emergency hysterectomy because of retained placenta?
Yes — if the management of the retained placenta fell below the required standard and contributed to the haemorrhage requiring hysterectomy.
Can I claim if I developed sepsis from retained products of conception?
Yes — if the retained products were not identified and treated promptly, and sepsis resulted from the delay.