I love sharing my labor and childbirth experience. It was a very empowering day for me, and it resulted in the best thing ever, of course – William! My labor wasn’t entirely ideal, however. I had a somewhat severe post-birth complication, which I was still figuring out more than two months after Will was born. I wanted to share my experience, and offer what I learned in case a mama out there confronts the same challenges.
Put simply, I hemorrhaged significantly after pushing sweet William out. My placenta didn’t detach easily or cleanly, and my midwife tried three times (what ended up being in vain) to coax the remaining pieces out of my uterus. This was what I now lovingly refer to as my “manual D&C,” as my midwife used her arm and hand to scrape, as best as she could, the small pieces of placenta that remained inside me. Thankfully, I had morphine for two of these three attempts (after my husband asked on my behalf after the first attempt). The morphine didn’t really remove all of the pain and discomfort of this experience, but it did provide enough of a haze that I have mostly forgotten how terrifying, traumatic and incredibly unenjoyable the hour after I gave birth was.
It’s likely that I had some form of placenta accreta. I later found out that my mother had a similar experience right after she gave birth to me, her second and final child. I entertained deep fears after my labor that my uterus was damaged and that I might not be able to carry and give birth to a child again.
As I was readying to leave the hospital after birth, my midwife chatted with me about how the placenta issues might not be over. She alerted me to pay very close attention to the warning signs of retained placenta, including:
- persistent heavy bleeding beyond the normal postpartum lochia (enough to soak a maxi pad in an hour or less)
- blood clots larger than a golf ball
- foul smelling discharge
- pain or cramping
- fever and/or chills
At four days postpartum, I thought I was experiencing a few of these symptoms so I called the on-call midwife. She asked me a few questions, but because I had no fever, she determined all was likely well. I was so glad because I was deeply afraid of having to go the hospital without my newborn son (my feelings were so amplified the weeks after Will’s birth!), and what a hospital stay might mean in terms of breastfeeding.
At four weeks postpartum, I had a ‘surge’ of bleeding, but not enough to meet the first criteria above; it was just bright red, heavier bleeding than I’d had in weeks. So, again, I called my midwife and went in to be seen. I saw a midwife (one I had actually never seen before) and she did a quick cervical check to see if anything was amiss. Again, though, she ruled out any irregularities, including retained placenta problems, and I went about my merry way.
At my postpartum check up at seven weeks, my midwife (who was there for my labor and birth) decided to prescribe me an antibiotic (Keflix/cephlaxine) and uterine cramping drug (Methergine/methylergonovine) ‘just in case’ anything did remain. I took them as assigned, and it seemed they worked – my bleeding stopped for two days. When it began again, I was frustrated AND slated to return to work. So, back to work I went at eight weeks postpartum still wearing pads (ugh!), and feeling a bit more rundown than I thought I would.
Finally, after another call to on-duty midwife, they sent me a lab order for an ultrasound, found clear signs of retained placenta, and I had a (rather late in the scheme of things!) D&C. The day of the procedure was not altogether difficult, but here is what I experienced and you could likely expect if you have a D&C at a hospital surgical inpatient location:
- Bloodwork and physical the day before. They gathered my blood type and other key information, put it on a wrist tag and shared it with the OBGYN doing the procedure the day of.
- No eating or drinking. I wasn’t allowed even water after dinner the night before. I was so thirsty, especially as a nursing mama!
- An early check-in/procedure. I was supposed to arrive by 7:30 for a 9:00 AM surgery.
- No jewelry or contacts. And don’t forget your glasses case, as I did. My glasses went into a fancy plastic bag with my nurse as they wheeled me back.
- An IV hook up. In the hand, likely!
- Meeting with your attending nurse, anesthesiologist, and physician performing the surgery. I had intimate meetings with all three prior to the actual surgery, with a basic review of what each would be doing, and a check of my personal information. It was with the nurse that I shared I was nursing mama and had brought my pump. I asked about when I could nurse again (24 hours post surgery, I was told), and was able to quickly get my husband and pump post-op because I made this a priority that everyone knew about.
- Very little remembrance of the procedure. I was staring at the ceiling and then I was upright! I hope this everyone’s experience – I’m grateful.
- Juice! Oh sweet juice and crackers after the anesthesia wore off. Nothing had tasted so good — not even post-labor food!
- A check-in with your OBGYN. After she spoke with my husband (while I was coming to), she came to visit me and shared what she had found and how the surgery had gone. This is when I learned the placenta had actually begun to calcify inside my uterus but was easily removed. I asked if I should expect any complications and was told no.
- A few hours to recover and get a course of any necessary and remaining prescriptions. I had to go through a full round of antibiotics again, and so had to remain in the recovery area for an additional three hours.
- A friend or family member to drive you home. Despite not feeling any weird things from the surgery, I was glad my husband was there.
- Time to relax as needed. I actually had no side effects, including cramping, from my D&C, but it is common so having someone around to help (especially with a newborn) for the day after is pretty key.
There are many things I still worry about – was there really no impact on my uterus and future children-bearing abilities? But mainly, I regret not being more forceful and advocating for myself. I wish I had researched some of the things that can be done for those who hemorrhage and have suspected or confirmed placenta issues after birth. It was so easy and non-invasive to get an ultrasound – why wasn’t this ordered immediately? I constantly ask myself this and have learned to ask more questions and when something doesn’t feel right, politely but firmly request real action other than reactionary prescriptions. Having a D&C a full ten weeks after birth due to retained placenta is incredibly unusual and not healthy at all. Untreated, it can lead to fertility problems and real illness. I was incredibly lucky!
Did you learn any key lessons from your experience giving birth?
blogger / cherry / 247 posts
how scary! is there a way to diagnose this during pregnancy?
nectarine / 2028 posts
What an ordeal. I learned throughout my pregnancy that you really do have to be on top of your own care. All too often I assume that medical professionals know best and don’t want to question them, but my rather traumatic birth taught me that it really is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. I’m sorry you went through all of that. I’m curious-would you want the same healthcare provider for a second pregnancy after this experience, or would you look for someone else?
pea / 5 posts
Thanks for posting about this. I had a hemorrhage several weeks after my daughter’s birth, and almost had to have a blood transfusion. It was scary. I started passing palm sized clots while home alone with my newborn. (I can’t remember how many, but it was at least 5 or 6, I think) Luckily, my husband was able to come home and I saw my OB later that day. I didn’t have to have a D&C, thank goodness. I wish I had heard more about the chances of this happening before I went home from the hospital though!
guest
I had a retained placenta and hemorrhaged during the manual removal of my placenta this past November. The bleeding didn’t stop so they had to send me to the OR where they performed a D&C and they were also able to get the bleeding under control. The doctor who performed the procedure afterwards said that it was the worst hemorrhage she had ever seen. I also ended up getting a blood transfusion the next day which I’m glad I did otherwise I don’t know how my energy levels would have been afterwards. My husband watched the whole hemorrhage thing and now he is pretty freaked to ever think about having another child. My doctor did say that my risk is higher to have it happen again but she didn’t advise me not to have any more children or to get a C-section next time, although they would offer that to me if I wanted as there would be less risk. I was also told to watch for the signs you mentioned and I am so sorry you had to go through that. Being wheeled away to the OR after just delivering was not fun either, but getting a D&C that much later would also not have been good. I am glad you listened to your instincts though and tried to keep advocating for yourself. Will any of this change your thoughts about having another?
grapefruit / 4361 posts
This happened to my mom at the hospital just the day after and my dad says it is still, to date, his scariest memory. He jokes that the candy striper is still running
she had 2 D&Cs, one emergency and one a week later just in case.
pear / 1837 posts
This happened to me but I thought it was just because I had very unusual circumstances (went into labor at 23 weeks, my son died in childbirth). My OB couldn’t get placenta to come out, so I had an emergency D&C. I also had one last March due to a miscarriage, and I have to say the one after my son was born was much worse (for SO many reasons) but mostly because I was awake. When I had it last March, I was put to sleep and that is preferable. So glad you are okay and won’t have any lasting issues!
pomegranate / 3601 posts
Wow that sounds awful and I’m glad all is well now. Over here in Germany it’s standard procedure to perform an u/s for exactly this issue before mom gets to go home.
guest
I couldn’t deliver my placenta, either. However, my midwife did not even attempt to manually remove it. A doctor was called in immediately. I am a huge proponent of midwifes, but your story is terrifying!
cherry / 106 posts
No two person is the same but if you plan to have a second child, just be aware that it can happen again. Since I’m a stranger on this site, I’ll share my story.
After my second son (born at full term, normal, no nonsense pregnancy), I hemorrhaged enough but not enough to get a blood transfusion. I remember the doctor had to go back in and scoop out whatever there was left in the uterus and getting a shot of pitocin before the bleeding stop. My husband freaked out and swore off having kids.
Third son, was two weeks pass due, normal pregnancy. I had the longest and most difficult labor and called it quit at 11 hours of painful active labor and got an epidural. Three hours later he slid out. I hemorrhaged so bad that I remember the splattering blood at the resident’s face. The bleeding wouldn’t stop to they rolled me into OR for a D&C. They couldn’t stop the bleeding with D&C, so they did an emergency hysterectomy to save my life. From what they told me, I lost 5 liters? or a whole bodies worth of blood. I no longer have a uterus but thankfully they kept my ovaries, otherwise I would be hitting menopause at 34. My son is almost 1 so we will be celebrating his birthday and me being alive with modern medicine.
clementine / 770 posts
Something similar happened to my sil. They couldn’t find her placenta and when they ‘fished’ it out she ended up hemorraging. She spent 3 days in the icu. Really scared my husband since that was his only experience with childbirth, made him quite anxious for our lo’s delivery.
blogger / apricot / 310 posts
@Mrs. Scooter: I don’t think so – not from what I’ve read.
@ChiCalGoBee: Yes exactly! And that’s a great question. I’m not entirely sure I’d be able to, actually, next time. I believe this moves me out of the ‘low risk’ category for next time, so at the very least I’d likely need to be managed by a midwife/OBGYN team.
@missmopar: OH my gosh that sounds incredibly terrifying! I’m sorry that your provider didn’t warn you about any of that – not that it would have truly prepared you for the experience, I’m sure! Glad you are well now.
@Katelyn: Wow, somewhat similar situation, though yours was so immediate! My husband describes the same reaction and feeling. And I was THISCLOSE to getting a transfusion but because my numbers were rising, my midwife opted not to. I was SO run down the first weeks after Will’s birth because of the low blood volume. And it doesn’t change my feelings – I just know that there may be complications with delivery which I wasn’t aware of before! It’s added a new layer of considerations, though, for sure. What about for you?
@DesertDreams88: oh my gosh TWO! You’re mom is incredible. Clearly, your dad has an amazing sense of humor – I think I’d like him!
@LulaBee: Oh my gosh, you were awake for one of them?! I can’t even imagine! Was it because it was an emergency? I can’t understand why they’d keep you awake.
@Pumuckl: that’s brilliant! germany for the win, for sure!
@Melissa: man, and was that manual removal was the worst! lol.
@chopstixwife: thank you so much for sharing!! that is scary but also sort of reassuring to know that you did have a successful pregnancy again (weird?) I am definitely a bit nervous about the second time around – so thank you for sharing your experience (truly!) I am so glad you were able to keep those ovaries! Did you and your doctor discuss possibilities/potential problems before you had the third, because of what happened after you delivered your second? just curious if you had a ‘gameplan’ for just in case it happened again or worse.
@Peasinapod: wow that is incredibly scary! I’m so sorry she had to be in the NICU. I can imagine that would be definitely off putting for your hubs if that is all he has heard!
pomelo / 5628 posts
Some crazy stories on this post! I delivered my son at 25 weeks and had to have a d&c for my placenta. They did not attempt to extract it manually. I algae an epidural so they just upped the meds to a c section dose so it was relatively simple.
guest
I retained placenta after both of my kids, both born in uncomplicated vagina births at 40 weeks. The first retained placenta was discovered when, at 6 weeks postpartum, I suddenly started bleeding a heavy pad full every 45 minutes or so. An uncomplicated D&C, and I was on my way.
The second time around, I had a hard time delivering the placenta and then the midwives had a doctor do an ultrasound to double check for retained piece(s). It looked good, but the doc warned that it would be hard to say for sure because my uterus was so stretched from having just delivered. When I was still bleeding at 8 weeks, an ultrasound revealed retained material (presumably placenta). Another uncomplicated D&C, and I was on my way.
I fully expect that I will retain placenta after any future pregnancies, and the midwives and I have already talked about starting on meds to promote uterine contractions right after birth next time.
guest
I too also had a retained placenta 4 weeks pp after a vacuum vaginal delivery. I had almost stopped bleeding at 2.5 weeks pp and then it started again with bright red blood at the end of 3 weeks pp. I didn’t think much of if since it is normal to bleed for up to 6 weeks. My husband had just left to another state for the week to work, my first night alone with my baby she woke me to feed at 12am and when I sat up I felt a huge gush of blood, then I realized I was laying in a pool of blood. Once I stood up blood was pour out of me like a faucet. It was terrifying. I was taken by squad to the hospital. I had to leave my baby in the care of firemen until my mom arrive to take care of her. I had a d&c that was complicated by even more blood loss. My doctor estimated that I had lost more than half of my total blood volume. I spent an additional 2 days in the hospital away from my baby. It was a nightmare. It took a good month to six weeks after that to feel semi normal. I am so glad you posted this becaus I don’t feel like there is enough talk about this kind of serious postpartum complication.
guest
@Mrs. Milk- No, I don’t think it will change my mind based on what my doctor told me that my risk is increased but that shouldn’t stop me from having a second. Now if I can just convince my husband, although neither of us are interested in having another for four more years for sure.
When I was about to go down to the OR, the Dr. told me that worst case scenario they would have to make an incision similar to a C-Section to get the bleeding to stop. When I had my follow up appointment, she then told me that worst worst case scenario actually would have been a hysterectomy which is very rare. So now seeing the comments made by @chopstixwife I am a little concerned about a second time, but I also don’t know if that will stop me from having another. I feel extremely thankful for modern medicine as well and know that if there is a next time, I will do everything I can to prepare (i.e. see a Dr. instead of a midwife, make sure the hospital has meds on hand to control the bleeding, maybe even do an elective C-section just to make sure I don’t hemorrhage and they can visual inspect right then and there that they got all the placenta, etc.).
guest
Thank you for posting about this. I had the same experience around 6 weeks postpartum and even had a blood transfusion. I am surprised that this happened to so many others. Did your Obgyn try to explain or make up for what happened?
guest
So grateful for this blog!
I had a fully natural birth except that I agreed to the oxytocin-type med as my doctor said after seeing many hemorrages he recommended it. Despite this, no placenta came out. I saw a big red blob the size of my hand and was told it was a blood clot. They took me to surgery to remove the retained placenta. I was weak for a while afterwards but returned to strength a bit faster than expected with the help of that bio-available iron-rich mineral water ‘spa-tone’ and fer-phos cell salts.
If I could change something, I would go back and try to breastfeed my child in that 1/2 hour window I had. Because I had antibiotics I’m sad that he didn’t get the full suite of good bacteria in his gut at the start of life.
Reading this has been healing. I briefly cried reading these stories! Something about my own experience impacted me deeply. My now 5 month old gave me a smile when he heard me crying – I guess it’s weird for him as he’s never seen someone cry before!
guest
Wow, I’m so glad I found this!!! I’ve asked around to find people with similar post partum complications, but have found none. It’s encouraging to read all your experiences!! I’m pregnant with my third baby and am wondering if I will have the same complications. To end up with manual d&c and still end up in OR twice for 2 more d&c is a little rough. I’m worried about needing a hysterectomy…. But after reading all these accounts, I’m encouraged!!! Thanks for sharing your story and starting the thread!!!
guest
Thank you so much for sharing your stories! I hemorrhaged immediatly after giving birth and lost about 2L of blood (a blood transfusion was ordered but I luckily did not end up needing it). We would love to add to our family but do not know if it is worth the risk. What questions did you all ask your doctors before hand? We would like to know what precautions can be taken during delivery to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
guest
I had the EXACT same thing happen to me except after my first D&C at 10 weeks PP I still had the worst cramping and terrible pain I went in again at 12 weeks and still had placenta retained, I was diagnosed with accreta and had a hysteroscopy D&C to ensure all of the placenta was removed. I’m scared to have another baby but I really want one more.
guest
Hi ladies this is a terrifying experience for me I also had a retained placenta I gave birth eight weeks ago and went to the ER to get myself checked out shortly after birth they gave me meds to help it come out after determining there was some particls left it was very very painful experience but now eight weeks later and I havnt been able to go back to the OB I’m relying on my brother for a ride and he refuses I’m scared because I only stop bleeding a week ago and I’m still seeing some peice’s when Iuse the restroom that are pink flesh looking stuff in scared this will result in me having to get a hysterectomy do any you ladiess have any information consurning this that may help put my mind eas I plane in continuing to try to find a way to my O.B. but if not do you ladies think I should call ems considering I don’t have a ride to the ER either
guest
Hi there,
anyone after having to do D & C, the placenta still retain?
anyone have tried going for second birth, despite having this condition?
guest
Hi Maggie,
I fell ill 16 days after giving birth and required an emergency D&C, as a piece of placenta was inside of me. My daughter is 17 months old and we are trying for bafoe four by #2. We have been using the OPK for four months and are still not pregnant. I’m beginning to worry the infection caused by my placenta pieces might have done some damage, ie. blocked tubes, scar tissue…
anyone with a similar story? My daughter was also born at 33weeks, great pregnancy, she just came early. No known reason.
guest
*we are trying for baby #2, not 4 lol
guest
I had the exact same thing but after a c section… does any one know if it effects trying in the future as my husband and I are trying and not having success. thank you
guest
As awful as it is to read these posts it’s nice to know I am not alone. Gave birth to my baby girl back in November. My Dr had to manually remove my placenta, incerting his fist and arm allll the way up there 3 times. Had been bleeding ever since- getting progressively worse. Blood clots the whole way though- bleeding though 2 pads- sometimes even though my pants. Dr’s said it was “normal”. Went to my 6 week check up- they said everything looked normal. This past week something went really wrong. After 2 unltrasounds they realized I had a 5×7 piece of placenta still in there. Dr did another internal exman and the piece was sitting right at the end of my cervix. He attempted to pull it out. I started to hemerage right there in the office with my baby girl fast asleep in room. The Dr called an ambulance to rush me to the hospital. They had to give me everything they had to stop the bleeding. Scrapped out my uterus and did a “wash” Had a blood transfusion as well because my levels were so low. I knew something was not right the whole time. I just don’t think there is enough post labor care for mothers. I could have died 2 days ago despite my many calls.
guest
I am so sorry to see the number of women that have gone through this! This happened to me as well, with both of my daughters. Slightly different experiences both times. The first time I experienced an umbilical cord abruption, hemorraghed, and had to be taken to the OR for an emergency D&C. I was told that the procedure went well and that everything had been removed. My postpartum bleeding subsided after 2-3 weeks, but returned around 4-5 weeks postpartum and continued getting heavier. At my 6 week postpartum appointment, I told my doctor about this and she chalked it up to my period likely returning. I’m no doctor, but this seemed very unlikely to me given that I was successfully breastfeeding and not experiencing any supply issues. She told me to watch for large clots and to call if I felt worse then sent me on my way. I went home certain that something was wrong and frustrated that she didn’t seem more concerned. Two days later, I started getting very light headed and called the doctor, demanding to be seen. They had me come in for an ultrasound and sure enough, there were pieces of placenta remaining in my uterus. At 8 weeks postpartum I had to do a second and very involved D&C to remove the leftovers. Only because I asked specifically about my chances to conceive in the future (nobody offered this information), I was told that I would likely develop significant scar tissue in my uterus that could prevent future pregnancy. I immediately started looking for specialists and made an appointment. One month after the second D&C, I saw the specialist and was diagnosed with Asherman’s syndrome. I began a series of hysteroscopies with the specialist to remove scar tissue. In total he performed 7 hysteroscopies about 2-3 weeks spaced out for several months. About 8 months after the last hysteroscopy, I went to see him again to make sure everything looked good because we had been trying for a few months unsuccessfully to get pregnant. A few months is not a very long time and not normally cause for concern, but given my history I did not want to waste any time and “wait and see.” He performed one more hysteroscopy and did find some new scar tissue, which he was able to remove. Two months later I got pregnant. During my second pregnancy, I felt empowered with the knowledge of my history and discussed the possible repeat with my doctors throughout. I had my daughter in December and after smoothly delivering her, my placenta got stuck once again. This time the doctor was able to manual extract the placenta in the delivery (with morphine for me!) and I did not hemorrhage. I was sent home with very little concern about a repeat because I was told that an ultrasound showed that the placenta had been fully removed. Once home, I started to experience the same pattern of events I did after my first delivery, but this time I took action much earlier and more forcefully than I had the first time. I was with a new doctor this time as well, who was much more receptive to my concerns and took action more quickly. An ultrasound at 4 weeks postpartum showed retained pieces once again, so I had to have a D&C at 5 weeks postpartum to remove them. I am now one week out from the D&C and feel incredibly frustrated that this all happened again, despite the knowledge and preparation due to my history. I do think my doctor for baby#2 handled everything much better than doctor for baby#1, but I still had to advocate for myself. After what I’ve been through twice now, I can’t believe that doctors don’t routinely require postpartum ultrasounds, earlier than 6 weeks out, for women like us. Both times I asked how they missed the leftover pieces despite ultrasounds to check for exactly this right after delivery. With delivery #1 ultrasound was done in OR right after emergency D&C, and with delivery #2 ultrasound was done in delivery room right after manual extraction. Both times I was told, by different doctors, that the uterus is still so full of blood immediately after delivery that it can be hard to see. If this is the case, it seems like a no brainer to me that they require us to come back a couple of weeks after delivery for an ultrasound that would provide a more accurate picture of the situation. Why do we have to wait for the potentially life threatening symptoms such as infection and hemorrhage to appear before even starting a discussion about a possible ultrasound? As many others above have noted, there is not enough care and attention for the mother after delivery and we have to advocate for ourselves. I wish you all smooth recoveries and successful future pregnancies!
guest
agree, new doctor! I had the same exact experience in terms of symptoms but they were taken care of right away!
Had an emergency D&C a few hours after birth due to hemorrhaging . Ended up being retained placenta. 9 weeks later, had extremely heavy bleeding that would come and go, over 2 days, almost like something burst and blood would be everywhere, like someone died all over the floor! Called the Dr. And they had me go to the emergency room.
Had another emergency D&C due to calcified placenta piece. They said it was very rare that long after pregnancy and a vaginal birth. I never had any pain, just the bleeding. However, apparently if they do a D&C right after birth they can’t see if anything is still left behind.
My understanding is that if it is not removed, the bleeding will continue indefinitely. I am very lucky to have amazing Dr.s who were quick to act in both situations. They told me both times that this type of bleeding can lead to death and to come in immediately if it happens again!
guest
My son is 21 months old. With him I got an epidural, had a hard delivery and then after he was born they pushed on my stomach forever and wound stop bc I had excessive bleeding. The pushing on my stomach to contract my uterus was worse than unmediated natural birth. Turns out I had a retained placenta too. No one would listen to me till my 6 week pp follow up when I showed my ob a picture of one of the numerous massive blood clots I had. I then had an emergency d&c. I wasn’t fasting so they had to be intimidated which hurt afterwards. I now have a 9 week old baby girl. I had a really tough pregnancy with placenta previa and had 2 massive bleeds where I had to be hospitalized then bed rest. My previa finally cleared at 35 weeks. At 38 weeks I had my membranes stripped and hemmoreged in her office and they rushed me in a wheel chair to L&d. Things calmed down and I went home then had my natural birth unmediated that night at the hospital. My placenta wouldn’t deliver and I was hemorrhageing so she reached in and pulled it out then scraped out the rest, I felt great afterwards. Then after 8 weeks the bleeding didn’t stop. Not heavy but wouldn’t stop. This time I have some type of tissue and thick cervix which doesn’t make since with all the bleeding and nursing. I took 2 rounds of cytotec vaginLly to try and pass the tissue and nothing happened. I go in tomorrow morning to try and have the tissue suctioned out. I’m a bit nervous of the pain, if that does not work then I’ll have to get another d&c. Thankful for my healthy babies but frustrated
guest
I’ve experienced similar as most women here. Basically after 16 weeks postpartum they finally ordered an ultrasound and it reveal retained placenta. About 6 weeks ago I had to have a D&C. How did this placenta show up at 16 weeks but didn’t the morning after I delivered. I hemorrhage so bad that they ordered one after delivery but they claimed I was fine. I complained and complained and they said it was part of childbirth and I was fine. I keep pushing the issue. I’m still upset and wondering if I can sue for neglect
guest
I’m very late to this thread but so glad I found it. I have 3 kids. My first delivery went perfectly. No problems at all. My second delivery wasn’t bad but the midwife made a comment about my placenta being very small. 2 days after coming home I started hemorrhaging and passing clots the size of my fist. I thought my uterus was falling out. They used suction to clean me out and scheduled me for a D&C. After that I blead every day for over a year. The only thing that regulated my bleeding was getting the implanon. Fast forward to April 2018. After delivering my last lo I also had to have a “manual d&c” done to remove my placenta. Since then I bleeding every 3 weeks for 2 weeks and it starts out extremely heavy. Enough to soak a pad every 30 minutes. After a day of heavy bleeding to goes to normal. No on can explain why.