Final answer:
Retained placenta is a condition where the placenta remains in the uterus after childbirth, which may require medical intervention to prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage. The afterbirth stage should conclude with complete expulsion of the placenta, and it is crucial for obstetricians to ensure no fragments are left behind.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition in which all or part of the placenta remains in the uterus after delivery is known as retained placenta. This can occur when the placenta does not follow the childbirth spontaneously within about 30 minutes. In such cases, it is important for an obstetrician to intervene by attempting manual removal or possibly resorting to surgery if manual efforts are unsuccessful.
After the birth of the baby, the uterus continues contracting to facilitate the delivery of the placenta. This stage is called the afterbirth and involves the placenta separating from the uterine wall and being expelled through the vagina. The obstruction of this process can lead to bleeding and other complications. Therefore, it's critical for the obstetrician to examine the placenta to ensure its complete expulsion to prevent issues such as postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, uterine contractions aid in involution, which is the process that helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy state.