Who knows about bits of retained placenta 5 weeks post-partum?

[MrsHuxtable]

Gave birth to DD a bit over 5 weeks ago. I got a bit concerned because my lochia increased again a couple of weeks ago and I started passing small bits of tissue/clots, which wasn't the case before. My fanjo also felt very tender and kind of inflamed inside which I put down to the tear I suffered giving birth.

I went to the GP yesterday, who had a good look and took a swap. She said there was no issue with the tear, it's healing nicely, and that judging from the discharge, I have an infection from maybe a bit of retained placenta or membranes. She prescribed me antibiotics and sent me on my way.

Now, this morning I noticed I had passed the biggest clot/ bit of tissue (don't know what it was) yet, probably between the size of a 20 and 10 pence coin. I know that's not massive but a lot bigger than what I had before.

I'm wondering, if this is really bits of placenta, should she not have sent me for a scan to see what's going on?? Will I not need a D&C or will the retained stuff come away by itself? While the ABs will stop the infection, surely they don't treat the actual source of infection hence making them a bit useless?

Did people on here have retained pieces and got away with not needing a D&C?

i think small clots are fine and will pass themselves, i passed on the size of a satsuma after one of my babies, ds3? i think if they get bigger or you get obviously unwell then go back, you could always ring the post natal ward and ask for their advice/

but small lumpy, clotty bits are normal, the infection isnt good but hopefully the antibiotics will sort it.

and if it doesnt all come away then i would assume you would need a d&c but not sure, but as i said it is common for some smaller bits to come away afterwards.

the size of your clots sounds normal to me, from my 5 birhts but if they get bigger i would be asking for a scan :)

Thanks 5madthings, that sounds very re-assuring. It's all such a worry with a little baby at home when you have no idea what's going on but I bet you know that feeling .