What indicates to a nurse that placental separation has occurred after the delivery of a newborn?

The occurrence of a sudden gush of dark blood from the introitus is an important indicator that placental separation has taken place after the delivery of a newborn. This phenomenon occurs because as the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, blood vessels that were supplying the placenta get severed, leading to the release of blood. The dark color of the blood indicates that it is older blood that has been in the uterus for a while, further confirming that placental separation is underway.

Monitoring for this sign is crucial during the third stage of labor, as it helps assess for any potential complications such as retained placenta or excessive hemorrhage. The presence of a sudden gush signals to the nurse that the placenta is likely separating and descending, which typically precedes its expulsion.

Contextually, while other signs may be present during labor, they do not specifically indicate that placental separation has occurred as clearly as the sudden gush of dark blood. For instance, characteristics of the uterus or other sensations may vary without indicating the precise event of placental detachment.