Retained placental tissue accounts for approximately what percentage of postpartum hemorrhage?

• A. 5-10%
• B. 1-2%
• C. 15-20%
• D. 25-30%

Answer: (A)

Retained placental tissue is a recognized cause of postpartum hemorrhage, but it accounts for only a minority of cases. In most obstetric data, the largest share of postpartum hemorrhage comes from uterine atony, with tissue-related causes contributing around five to ten percent of cases. This happens when placental tissue remains in the uterus after delivery, preventing complete placental separation and leading to ongoing bleeding that may require removal of the tissue or other interventions. Other causes like trauma to the birth canal or coagulation problems are present as well, but they typically occur less frequently than the tissue category. Therefore, the correct estimate is about 5-10%.