Placental Abruption
(Premature Separation of Placenta; Ablatio Placentae; Abruptio Placentae)
Pronounced: pluh-SEN-tul ab-RUP-shun
by
Diana Kohnle
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before the fetus is delivered. The placenta is the organ that provides nourishment for the fetus while it is still in the uterus. In a healthy pregnancy, the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall until after the fetus is delivered.
Some form of the condition affects about one in every 150 births. In very severe forms, placental abruption can cause death to the fetus. This occurs in approximately one in every 500-750 deliveries. Death of the mother from placental abruption is very rare. Infants who survive a birth with the condition have a 40%-50% chance of experiencing complications.
Placental abruption can cause:
Placental Abruption
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
The cause of placental abruption is often difficult to diagnose. Some common causes of the condition include:
- Injury to the abdomen from an accident or a fall
- Sudden decrease in the volume of the uterus, from significant loss of amniotic fluid or from
the delivery of a first twin
- Abnormally short umbilical cord
- Acute development of high blood pressure (often associated with cocaine use)
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing placental abruption:
Symptoms
In the early stages, you may not have symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Rapid contractions
- Soreness in the uterus
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound-a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen
- Blood coagulation profile-a test to measure how long it takes for your blood to clot
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Intravenous Treatments
Fluids may be administered intravenously (through a vein in your arm) to replace lost fluids. Blood transfusions may also be given to replace lost blood supply.
The mother and fetus will be carefully monitored for signs of distress or
shock, including abnormal heart rates.
Emergency Cesarean Delivery
If danger exists for mother or fetus, an emergency
Cesarean delivery
may be done. If both the mother and fetus are at low risk of complications and the fetus is full-term, the mother may deliver vaginally.
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting placental abruption, take the following steps:
- Avoid taking drugs, drinking alcohol, and smoking during pregnancy.
- Receive proper and regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.
- Promptly treat conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
RESOURCES:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.com/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp/
Women's Health
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/
REFERENCES:
Bleeding in pregnancy, placenta previa, placental abruption. High-risk pregnancy. Lucile-Packard Children's Hospital website.
Available at:
http://www.lpch.or....
Accessed July 2, 2007.
Placenta abruptio. US National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000901.htm
.
Accessed July 2, 2007.
Pregnancy: placental abruption. Mayo Clinic website.
Available at:
http://www.mayocli...
.
Accessed July 2, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Last Updated: 12/9/2009
