Within how many minutes should the placenta be delivered before referring to the higher facility?

Correct option is B

Sol. The placenta is expected to be delivered within 30 minutes after the birth of the baby during the third stage of labor. If the placenta is not delivered within this time frame, it is considered retained placenta, and the case should be referred to a higher healthcare facility for manual removal or emergency management. Delay beyond 30 minutes increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and uterine inversion. Timely intervention is crucial for the safety of the mother.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) 15 mins – Too early to classify as retained placenta; normal delivery may take slightly longer.
· (b) 30 min – Correct. WHO and national guidelines define retained placenta if not delivered within 30 minutes.
· (c) 45 mins – Waiting this long increases the risk of complications, especially in low-resource settings.
· (d) 1 hour – Delayed intervention at this point may result in life-threatening hemorrhage or shock.