On Wed, 30 Aug 2000, Kate Hallberg wrote:
> I have had more than one ob or physician argue with me
> that a retained placental fragment is not possible in
> practice because of the severe infection that would
> result.  Clearly Kathy (and many others) have gone
> weeks with the retained fragment that doesn't become
> infected, nor does the body reabsorb it.  Why do you
> suppose that is?

I have also had retained placental fragments that did not cause infection.
Nor did I "soak a pad an hour".  In fact, before I passed one, my
bleeding had ceased, and then I started getting cramping and spotting
again.

To have an infection, you have to have bacteria.  In my case, I had
insisted on keeping vaginal exams to a minimum before and during labor.  I
was also given antibiotics during my C section.  Bacteria do not
spontaneously arise out of nothing.

Ultrasounds are also not conclusive.  Even very small pieces can suppress
milk supply, and be missed by ultrasound.

Mary Conner

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