O73: Retained placenta and membranes, without haemorrhage

O73.1: Retained portions of placenta and membranes, without haemorrhage

The uterus or womb sits in the pelvis and is pear-shaped. The narrower part extends downward into the vagina and is called the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the child grows in her uterus. The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The placenta supplies the unborn child with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord.

After the child has been born, the placenta usually detaches itself and is expelled as afterbirth. If parts of the placenta remain in the womb, the womb can become inflamed. One may feel very sick and get a high temperature.