Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

The uterus contracts during & after the birth of the baby. This
causes the uterus to become smaller, the placenta remains
the same size & is pushed off the uterine wall.
2. Descent of the placenta
When the placenta has completely separated, the
constructing uterus pushes it down into the lower uterine
segment and into the vagina. The weight of the placenta itself
pulls the chorine of the uterine wall.
Sign of placental descent
1. The uterus becomes hard, round and movable.
2. The fundus rises to the level of the umbilicus.
3. The cord seems to lengthen.
4. There is a gush of blood
5. When you apply suprapubic pressure the cord will not
received back
6. Placenta can be feet on vaginal examination.
3. Expulsion of the placenta
Method of placental expulsion
1. Using the fundus as a piston
The contracted fundus is used as apposition to push the
placenta out.
2. Controlled cord traction with oxytocin drugs
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