Retained placenta? I'm worried!!

[Baretoes]

I gave birth 5 days ago and it took 3 hours for the placenta to be delivered. The midwife ended up catheterising me and then manual traction to gently remove it. On inspection it looked complete. I developed a bladder infection 3 days ago and have been on antibiotics for that. Bleeding has been fine - not excessive and no clots and I feel ok in myself BUT I have just been to the toilet and seen a piece of tissue on my pad - about an inch long and very thin - the sort of membrane stuff you would pick off a piece of raw chicken!

Should I be worried??????????

[lulumama]

be worried if you pass clots that are large, larger than a 50 pence piece..although some people say worry if they are larger than that

also, if you develop a fever, or feel generally unwell..or your loss has a bad smell to it...if your lochia suddenly becomes much heavier ...

also, you will be seeing your midwife soon as you;ve only just had LO, so ask her when you see her, or call if you are concerned before she is next due to come over....

also, retained placental tissue can affect breast feeding, not sure how, exactly,,but am aware it can be an issue

antibitoics should hold off any infection.x

[Baretoes]

Thanks lulumama! I've just had a bath and seen more 'floaty bits'. I've managed to catch some for the midwife to admire tomorrow when she comes. I've done some reading and it looks like my milk supply would be diminished due to the hormonal feedback mechanisms. As my right boob in particular, is completely solid, I can only imagine that this is not the case. I shall hold off my panic until tomorrow.

[MKG]

It sounds like it may have been a clot. I had very large ones. Don't worry.
I passed clots for about a week, and as soon as I thought I was done, another one would come out.

My midwife said that anything larger than a grapefruit would be something to worry about.

[LadyOfThePoinsettias]

i had retained placenta and heamorraged and as a result couldnt maintain a milk supply.