What procedures follow the delivery of the placenta?
After the placenta is delivered you may experience some bleeding. The contraction of the uterus will help clamp the tissues that connected the placenta with your bloodstream. The hormone oxytocin will help contract the uterus and you may choose to stimulate naturally by nursing your baby or have your doctor administer a simulated oxytocin such as Pitocin, either by injection or IV. Your will want the uterus to contract quickly to minimize blood loss. Once the placenta has been delivered you may experience ‘postpartum shakes’. You will have been through tremendous physical exercise during labor, and with no source of heat inside you any more you will feel a little cold. These ‘shivers’ will only last a couple of minutes. Your doctor will want to examine your cervix and vagina for tears, and if you required an episiotomy you will need some stitches. The nurse will make sure you are cleaned up, and just outside the door your friends and family will be waiting to accompany you to the recov
