What is a key sign of a retained placenta that could lead to a postpartum hemorrhage?

• A. Excessive leg swelling
• B. Continued high blood pressure
• C. Unusual vaginal discharge
• D. Delayed uterus contraction

Answer: (D)

A delayed contraction of the uterus is indeed a key sign of a retained placenta. After childbirth, the uterus is supposed to contract to help expel the placenta and reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. If the placenta is retained, this contraction may be inadequate or absent, leading to retained tissue that can cause significant hemorrhage.

In a healthy postpartum period, the uterus should contract firmly, which helps to compress the blood vessels and reduce bleeding. When this process is disrupted due to retained placenta, it can result in continued blood loss, placing the patient at risk for postpartum hemorrhage.

The other options, such as excessive leg swelling, continued high blood pressure, and unusual vaginal discharge, do not directly correlate to the immediate mechanism that leads to postpartum hemorrhage related to retained placental tissue. Instead, while they may indicate other complications, they are not specific indicators of retained placenta.