Best time for uterine curettage of retained fetal membranes

The fetal membrane, also known as the afterbirth, is the surface tissue that encapsulates the fetus and embryo. During the delivery process, it is necessary to ensure the consistency of the fetal membranes expelled from the embryo, otherwise it will not only affect the postpartum recovery, but also may cause complications such as late postpartum hemorrhage and puerperal infection due to incomplete uterine repair. If fetal membranes remain, when is the best time to perform a uterine curettage?

The best time for curettage of retained fetal membranes

Generally speaking, if there are lumps of fetal membrane tissue remnants during delivery, they will be removed immediately by curettage. If a small amount of fetal membrane tissue remains, uterotonics can be administered to promote its expulsion. However, if pregnant women have persistent lochia after delivery, they should also take the initiative to go to the hospital for careful observation. B-ultrasound can be used to determine whether there is any residue in the uterine cavity. If it is confirmed that there is residual tissue in the uterus, the residual tissue should be removed by cleaning the uterus while taking anti-infection measures. If some residual fetal membrane tissue forms polyps in the uterus and causes persistent vaginal bleeding, surgical removal of the polyps should be performed.

About a month after giving birth, if the body has not recovered and there is residual fetal membrane, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible and have a curettage, which is safer. You can also eat some motherwort paste, which can help the fetal membrane flow out quickly.

Damage to fetal membrane residues

1. Late postpartum hemorrhage: It usually occurs about 10 days after giving birth, and the remaining embryonic tissue adhering to the uterine cavity undergoes degeneration, necrosis, and ossification. Produces embryonic polyps. When the necrotic tissue falls off, the underlying blood vessels are exposed, causing internal bleeding. The specific manifestations are persistent postpartum lochia, prolonged duration, repeated bleeding, or internal bleeding. Severe cases may cause shock, requiring intravenous injection and rescue.

2. Postpartum infection: The residual fetal membrane causes incomplete repair of the uterus, resulting in continuous or repeated bleeding after delivery. Because blood is the best culture medium for bacteria, and the immunity of pregnant women is reduced, bacteria can take advantage of the opportunity to enter and spread along the reproductive system into the uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes and other pelvic tissues, causing puerperal infection. The symptoms often occur about two weeks after delivery, and are manifested as abdominal pain, fever, and foul-smelling lochia. If the inflammation is not controlled, it will develop into peritonitis or sepsis.

Therefore, the retention of fetal membranes after childbirth has certain adverse effects. If any remnants are found, they must be cleared out in time. If the vagina is not cleaned up after giving birth, you should go to the hospital for a follow-up visit and uterine curettage one month later.