QuestionI have a small piece of placenta in my uterus. I am six weeks postpartum...my doctor who was a fill-in seemed nervous and unsure... He said I can choose to have a d&c or I can wait for this piece to pass or be reabsorbed. I have no bleeding. Here are my questions.
1) How long will it take to reabsorb? Could it be months? Could it be a year?
2) Will I start hemmoraging without warning months from now?
3) How will I know if I have an infection? or if there is a problem?
4)Could it pass during menstruation?
5)How will I know when I am "safe"? I don't want to have to keep on worrying and have this on my mind while at the same time I dont want to have to go through a d&c...being put under in particular
AnswerHi Laurie,
In my opinion, no questions asked, you need to have the piece of placent removed. I'm not sure how big the piece is, but I still think a D&C would be the best route for you. If you don't you are at risk for hemorrhage that could happen anytime, and you are at increased risk for infection. Now, the piece could reabsorb and it may take months or it may take weeks, it depends on your body. If you choose not to have it removed, you need to have follow up ultrasounds to be sure it is gone. It could pass during menstruation. If you have an infection, you may experience abnormal bleeding or discharge that is foul smelling and fever. As far as the anesthesia goes for a D&C, you are out for about 5 minutes, that is it. The procedure itself is extremely quick and safe. Depending on the size of the piece of placenta, you could opt to wait and see if you pass it with your next period. Just keep in mind that you need to be on guard for bleeding and infection. The safest thing to do and also to ease your mind, is to have it removed. I hope this helps!
