Home / Glossary Placental abruption By Motherly Editors April 3, 2024 Rectangle Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Placental abruptionFAQs on Placental AbruptionWhat is placental abruption?What are the symptoms of placental abruption?What causes placental abruption?How is placental abruption diagnosed and treated?What can I do to prevent placental abruption?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Table of Contents Toggle DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Placental abruptionFAQs on Placental AbruptionWhat is placental abruption?What are the symptoms of placental abruption?What causes placental abruption?How is placental abruption diagnosed and treated?What can I do to prevent placental abruption?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information Definition Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta, providing nutrients and oxygen to the baby, partially or completely separates from the uterus before childbirth. It can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause severe bleeding that is dangerous to both the mother and baby. This condition most often occurs in the third trimester but can occur anytime after the 20th week of pregnancy. Key Takeaways Placental abruption refers to a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, which can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients and lead to heavy bleeding in the mother. Several risk factors contribute towards placental abruption, including high blood pressure, smoking during pregnancy, previous incidents of placental abruption, maternal age, multiple pregnancy and accident or trauma to the abdomen. Immediate medical attention is necessary once placental abruption is suspected, as prompt treatment can save the life of both mother and child. Treatments typically focus on managing the mother’s bleeding and ensuring the baby’s safety, with delivery often being recommended if the abruption is severe. Importance Placental abruption is a serious condition in motherhood that pertains to the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus before childbirth. This condition is of significant importance as it can pose substantial risks to both the mother and the baby. For the mother, it can lead to heavy bleeding potentially causing shock or even maternal death if not treated urgently. For the baby, it can lead to premature birth, growth problems, or in severe cases, fetal death, as the separation of the placenta deprives the fetus of oxygen and nutrients essential for development. Therefore, understanding the term “placental abruption” is crucial in maternal health to ensure prompt recognition and treatment when necessary, thus optimizing the likelihood of positive outcomes. Explanation Placental abruption is a maternal health condition that plays a crucial role in pregnancy, specifically in the nourishment and growth of the fetus. The placenta, which is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, usually attaches to the uterus’s wall. Its purpose is to allow the passing of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones from the mother’s bloodstream to the baby. It also eliminates waste products from the baby’s blood. Thus, the placenta serves a significant purpose in ensuring the baby’s development and growth during pregnancy. However, in placental abruption, the placenta partially or completely detaches from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born. This detachment disrupts the baby’s supply of nutrients and oxygen and, if not treated promptly, can pose severe health risks both to the mother and baby. Hence, placental abruption is an issue of critical concern during pregnancy because it disrupts the essential role of the placenta, risking major complications such as premature birth, stunted fetal growth, and even perinatal death. The mother, too, may be susceptible to various complications such as hemorrhaging and blood clotting disorders. The timely detection and management of placental abruption are therefore vital for the safety and well-being of both the mother and baby. Examples of Placental abruption Case 1: A 30-year-old woman experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain during her 32nd week of pregnancy. After being rushed to the hospital, the medical team diagnosed her with placental abruption. They performed an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby prematurely but safely, and they were able to treat the mother’s condition. Case 2: In another case, a 25-year-old woman carrying her first child had a minor fall during her 29th week of pregnancy. Thinking it was nothing serious, she ignored it. However, she started to experience bleeding and lower back pain. On reaching the hospital, she was diagnosed with placental abruption, possibly caused by the trauma from the fall. She was immediately treated and monitored, resulting in a successful early delivery. Case 3: A 35-year-old pregnant woman, who’d had previous instances of high blood pressure, experienced placental abruption during her 27th week. She felt faint and had unexpected bleeding. Doctors were able to stabilize her and the baby, but they had to deliver the baby prematurely due to the severity of the abruption. The baby received neonatal care and eventually, both mother and baby made it through. FAQs on Placental Abruption What is placental abruption? Placental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta partially or completely separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause severe bleeding that can endanger both the mother and the baby. What are the symptoms of placental abruption? Common symptoms include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, back pain, uterine tenderness or rigidity, and rapid uterine contractions. However, it’s important to note that it’s possible to have a placental abruption with no noticeable symptoms. It’s always best to reach out to a medical professional if you’re unsure. What causes placental abruption? While the exact cause of placental abruption is often unknown, there are several factors that can increase the risk. These include high blood pressure, abdominal trauma, substance abuse, a history of placental abruption in previous pregnancies, and being over the age of 35. How is placental abruption diagnosed and treated? Placental abruption is diagnosed through a physical exam, ultrasound, or certain blood tests. Treatment depends on the circumstances, such as the gestational age of the baby, the amount of bleeding, and the mother’s health. In severe cases, immediate delivery of the baby may be necessary. What can I do to prevent placental abruption? While placental abruption cannot always be prevented, you can decrease the risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by getting regular prenatal care. Avoid smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs, and control high blood pressure if you have it. Also, it’s important to wear a seatbelt to avoid trauma from car accidents. Related Motherhood Terms Pregnancy Complications Maternal Health Placenta Previa Uterine Bleeding Prenatal Care Sources for More Information World Health Organization: The WHO provides reliable, in-depth information about various health conditions including placental abruption. Mayo Clinic: It’s a network of health experts that provide detailed information about conditions and diseases, including placental abruption. WebMD: This is a detailed health resource, covering a range of illnesses, disorders, and health conditions including placental abruption. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: A professional association of pregnancy experts, providing great level of detail about pregnancy-related conditions, including placental abruption. Inside this article DefinitionKey TakeawaysImportanceExplanationExamples of Placental abruptionFAQs on Placental AbruptionWhat is placental abruption?What are the symptoms of placental abruption?What causes placental abruption?How is placental abruption diagnosed and treated?What can I do to prevent placental abruption?Related Motherhood TermsSources for More Information More terms Clogged Ducts February 26, 2024 Screen Time Limits For Kids February 26, 2024 Starting Daycare February 26, 2024 Oral contraceptives April 3, 2024 Child Development Specialist April 2, 2024