which type of placental separation is more common
Schultz or Matthew Duncan’s ?
Matthew Duncan’s mechanism, also known as the “fetal side” or “Schultze mechanism,” is the more common type of placental separation. Approximately 80-90% of placentas separate using the Duncan mechanism, while the remaining 10-20% separate using the Schultz mechanism.
In the Duncan mechanism, the placenta detaches from the uterus starting at the fetal surface (the side facing the baby). The separation begins at the peripheral or outer edge of the placenta and progresses centrally towards the umbilical cord insertion.
In contrast, the Schultz mechanism involves the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall starting at the maternal surface (the side facing the mother). The separation begins centrally at the placental disc and progresses towards the outer edge or periphery.
The Duncan mechanism is considered the more common type because it is the typical sequence of placental separation observed during vaginal delivery. However, it’s important to note that the exact sequence and pattern of placental separation can vary, and exceptions to these general mechanisms can occur.
The knowledge of these mechanisms is primarily used in the field of obstetrics to better understand the process of placental separation during childbirth. The specific mechanism of placental separation does not usually have significant clinical implications unless there are complications related to retained placenta or postpartum hemorrhage, which would require appropriate management by healthcare professionals.