What are the side effects of having your placenta removed?

Having your placenta removed, whether surgically or manually, carries several potential side effects.

Potential Risks of Placenta Removal

Placenta removal is a necessary procedure following childbirth, but it is not without risks. Here are some potential complications:

Infection:
- The procedure can introduce bacteria, leading to an infection.
- This risk is mitigated with prophylactic antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
- Infections can manifest as fever, pain, and unusual discharge.
Life-Threatening Bleeding:
- Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage) is a serious risk following placenta removal.
- This can occur if the uterus does not contract properly after removal or if there is damage to the surrounding tissue.
- Medical personnel are trained to address and manage this emergency.
Endometritis:
- This refers to inflammation of the uterine lining.
- It is also often linked to infection, although not always directly caused by infection.
- Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fever, and an unusual odor from vaginal discharge.

Doctors take several precautions to minimize the risks associated with placenta removal:

Antibiotics: Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection after the procedure.
Monitoring: Careful monitoring of the patient after the removal, particularly for bleeding and signs of infection.
Technique: Experienced medical professionals perform the removal procedure, using proper techniques to minimize tissue damage.

Side Effect	Description	Management
Infection	Introduction of bacteria causing fever, pain, and unusual discharge.	Prophylactic antibiotics and ongoing monitoring.
Life-Threatening Bleeding	Hemorrhage due to uterine atony or damage.	Immediate medical intervention.
Endometritis	Inflammation of the uterine lining causing pain, fever, and unusual odor.	Antibiotics and close medical monitoring are required.

It's important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any concerning symptoms immediately.