Preterm delivery: a risk factor for retained placenta

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Sep;163(3):823-5. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(90)91076-o.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether preterm delivery, with and without intraamniotic infection, is a risk factor for retained placenta. This complication occurred more frequently in women with preterm vaginal delivery than in women with term vaginal delivery (9.1% [21/231] vs 1.1% [6/561]; p less than 0.00001; odds ratio = 9.25). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of retained placenta between women with preterm labor and intact membranes and those with preterm premature rupture of membranes (8% [10/125] vs 10.4% [11/106]; p greater than or equal to 0.05). A positive amniotic fluid culture or clinical chorioamnionitis was not associated with a higher incidence of retained placenta. This study indicates that preterm delivery is associated with an increased risk of complications of the third stage of labor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chorioamnionitis / complications
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / complications
  • Humans
  • Labor Stage, Third
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / etiology*
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / complications*
  • Placenta Diseases / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors