What is the common symptom for women presenting with retained placental tissue postpartum?

Heavy bleeding is a common symptom for women presenting with retained placental tissue postpartum. The presence of retained placental tissue can lead to delayed or inadequate uterine involution and may cause the uterus to remain larger and softer than normal. This can result in increased uterine bleeding, often manifesting as heavy vaginal bleeding.

When placental fragments remain in the uterine cavity, the body may continue to respond as though it is in a state of pregnancy. This can provoke uterine contractions that are ineffectually attempting to expel the retained tissue, which can further contribute to bleeding. Monitoring for heavy bleeding is critical in postpartum care, as retained placental tissue can lead to serious complications, including postpartum hemorrhage.

The other symptoms listed, while they can occur in various postpartum complications, are not as directly linked to retained placental tissue. Severe abdominal pain may suggest other conditions such as uterine rupture or infection but is not as specific. Signs of infection can occur following retained tissue but are not immediate or universal symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are less common and not specific to retained placental tissue, as they can arise from a range of postpartum and non-obstetric causes. Thus, heavy bleeding serves as a key indicator for healthcare providers to investigate