Retained Placenta in an Out-of-Hospital Delivery: A Forensics Medicine Case Report

• Published in: Saudi Journal of Forensic Medicine and Sciences 2023-01, Vol.3 (1), p.18-20
• Main Authors: Showail, Saleh Ali, Shalhoub, Abdulaziz Ali Bin, Alshanawani, Hussam Eid, Ali, Saad Salman, AlWaheb, Yousuf Tahsen, Adhil, Razak, Farouk, Noha Ibrahim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2589-8329; 2589-8337
• DOI: 10.4103/sjfms.sjfms_7_21

Most maternal deaths are preventable; however, approximately every 2 min woman dies of pregnancy or delivery-related complications. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is among the most common causes of maternal death worldwide and reportedly, 10% of PPHs are a result of retained placenta. Inadequate prevention and response to these potentially fatal complications by untrained and unlicensed birth attendants are also a fundamental factor contributing to the prevalence. As an example of a forensic approach, we present the case of a 25-year-old woman that underwent home delivery without licensed medical supervision. She was dead on arrival, and the cause of death was determined to be retained placenta that led to hemorrhage. The present report includes the autopsy findings, as well as relevant details from the site of delivery. This report intends to highlight the correctable, yet persistent elements of this condition by providing a clear and thorough picture of death due to retained placenta, as well as analysis of the existing concomitant risk factors.