The pain experienced during placenta removal depends heavily on the method used and the circumstances.
Normal Placenta Delivery
Typically, the delivery of the placenta after childbirth is not painful. Often, it happens so quickly after the baby's birth that it goes unnoticed. Healthline
Retained Placenta Removal
If the placenta doesn't detach naturally (retained placenta), its removal can be painful depending on the method.
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Manual Removal: Manual removal of a retained placenta, where a doctor removes it by hand, can be quite painful. Several sources confirm this discomfort. PubMed Central, Cochrane, NHS, Reddit
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Surgical Removal: Surgical removal of a retained placenta, often performed under an epidural or general anesthetic, results in no pain during the procedure. Tommy's, Pregnancy Birth and Baby, MyHealth Alberta
Placenta Accreta
In cases of placenta accreta (where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall), removal may involve significant pain if not performed under anesthesia. The placenta's pressure on organs like the bladder can also cause pain. Cleveland Clinic, Brigham and Women's Hospital
In summary, while natural placenta expulsion is typically painless, removal of a retained placenta can be painful if done manually, but painless under anesthesia.
