system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Scheduled C-section - how does the body know its no longer pregnant?

 Pretty straightforward question - how does the body know it's not pregnant after a scheduled C-section?

I'm guessing when it goes through labor for a vaginal delivery the body is preparing to not be pregnant any longer, but how does it know when there is no labor involved? After the C-section is it just like "oh, no baby here, guess we're done."?

Thanks!
gpt
The placenta secretes a ton of hormones. One of the critically important steps in a C-section is for the surgeon to go over the uterus and make sure that every bit of the placenta is removed, and scrape off anything that isn't. Even small bits of placenta can cause serious complications, like heavy bleeding. As a medical condition this is called "retained placenta" and can happen after C-sections, vaginal delivery, miscarriages, or abortions. In some cases a complete hysterectomy may be required to treat.