Birth of Placenta
In a nutshell
In normal, physiologic birth after your baby comes out it's time to birth the placenta. Your nurse or care provider will rub on your belly to check and make sure that your uterus muscle is clamped down and firm, as well as check for excess bleeding and large blood clots. Usually within 5-10 minutes after birth your care provider might notice a "separation gush," a small gush of blood signifying that the placenta might be starting to come away from the uterine wall. You may feel "crampy" and can bear down while your care provider gives gentle traction on the cord, making sure not to pull to hard or the placenta could tear and get stuck. Birthing the placenta can feel like you're passing a big jello mold. After the placenta is born, your care team will continue to rub on your uterus (fundus) to make sure that your bleeding is normal.
Dig deeper
Two Philosophies:
There are two philosophies regarding how to manage the "Third Stage," aka the birth of the placenta, Active Management and Expectant Management.
Options
Active Management of Third Stage
Care providers will be proactive with managing the birth of your placenta and will start pitocin immediately after birth.
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