Labor Overview: Delivery of the Placenta

A few minutes after delivery of the baby, mild contractions begin again. These separate the placenta from the uterine wall and help push it out of the body. This third and final stage of labor typically lasts only 5 to 10 minutes, but occasionally up to half an hour. Once the placenta is delivered the doctor will examine it to make sure it is complete, because any fragments left behind in your uterus can cause infection. The uterus continues to contract and gets very firm as it rapidly shrinks towards its pre-pregnant size, clamping off the arteries that fed the placenta.  Sometimes doctors give medications or massage your uterus through your abdomen to help this process along.