Your Care Instructions

The placenta forms during pregnancy to give your baby nutrients and oxygen. It also removes waste products.

Normally, the placenta attaches to the top part of the uterus. Then it comes out of your body after the birth.

But sometimes, the placenta does not come out after the birth. This is called a retained placenta. When this happens, your doctor will remove the placenta.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Rest until you feel better.
• After the birth, you will have a bloody discharge from the vagina. In less than a week, it will be pink in colour. After about 10 days, it will be white or yellow. It may last for 2 to 4 weeks or longer, until your uterus heals. Don't worry if you also pass some blood clots, as long as they are smaller than a golf ball.
• If you have a tear or stitches in your vaginal area, change your pad at least every 4 hours. This will prevent soreness and infection. Do not use tampons until your doctor says it's okay.
• It's normal to have cramps for the first few days after the birth. They happen because the uterus is going back to normal size. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not take aspirin. It can cause more bleeding.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.