Be careful with residual placenta after abortion

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

Expression of placenta left after abortion with drugs causes persistent bleeding, leading to infection, anemia. This phenomenon needs to be treated early to avoid dangerous complications such as pelvic infection and sepsis.

After the termination of pregnancy, women are required to return for a follow-up examination to make sure the uterine cavity is completely free of pregnancy, to avoid leaving the placenta after a medical abortion.
Usually, through the examination process, combined with ultrasound and clinical manifestations such as severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding... it is possible to determine whether there is a residual placenta or a pregnancy.
In addition, in some cases, the fetal mass and the placenta were removed, but there was still blood stasis and fluid in the uterus, when ultrasound showed a mixed echo mass in the uterine cavity. In this situation, the doctor may assign the patient to medical treatment and follow up for a while.
Normally, the uterine cavity is absolutely sterile. After an abortion, even if the suction curettage is done carefully and with good technique, the internal bleeding process can still create favorable conditions for bacteria to enter, causing mucosal infection. uterine lining. If the gestational age is larger, accompanied by genital infections, the likelihood of complications after abortion is higher. Some of the following symptoms signal the risk of infection: prolonged bleeding, unpleasant odor, increasing abdominal pain, signs of infection such as fever, bad breath, body fatigue... When women notice these symptoms, women need to be treated early to avoid dangerous complications such as pelvic infection and sepsis.

Before performing surgical abortion, the mother should be explained and guided to perform the necessary procedures. Most cases must be consulted and discussed very carefully before accepting the termination of pregnancy. In addition, the procedure to perform the abortion procedure, how long it takes and related issues should be clearly explained to the mother.
Nurses need emotional support for pregnant women before, during and after abortion to prevent depression, sometimes needing intervention from a psychologist. Avoid using alcohol, coffee, tobacco or other stimulants to deal with depression.
Before and during the abortion procedure, women often experience loneliness, anxiety, fear, even many cases without family members. After an abortion, they may experience severe depression. In addition to psychological problems, abortion also has the potential to lead to complications and dangerous complications such as: Uterine perforation, bleeding, damage to the cervical or vaginal area, side effects caused by use anesthetics and anesthetics during surgery.
After an abortion, a woman should be instructed in appropriate care, be aware of possible complications such as placental abruption after abortion, avoid intercourse and maintain genital hygiene. Do not use cotton swabs, do not douche the vagina because it can lead to bleeding and infection.
Complications that come later may include: retained placenta after medical abortion, risk of infection, fever, foul discharge, uterine adhesions, serious impact on future fertility of women.

When a woman has come to the decision to have an abortion, it means that she has been under great mental pressure. Encouragement, comfort, explanation, listening are measures of spiritual care after abortion, helping a woman overcome this pain.
Regarding sexual activities, for the first month after an abortion, it is necessary to avoid sex, avoid putting douches into the vagina. Healthcare professionals should carefully guide post-abortion contraception and should specifically reassess the patient's understanding of the issue. In addition, further instructions on hygiene after sex and possible risks of abortion are provided.
To know the exact status of fluid retention or placenta left after abortion more or less when noticing abnormal signs, women should see a doctor soon. If you are diagnosed with a residual placenta or fluid retention in the uterus, you need to be actively treated as prescribed by your doctor. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of uterine infection will increase. When the infection goes upstream to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, it will potentially affect future fertility.
Master. Doctor. Ly Thi Thanh Nha has worked at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital before working at Vinmec Danang International General Hospital as it is today.
Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pregnancy, pregnancy pathology. Pregnancy screening. Perform caesarean section techniques. Laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy.