Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterus earlier than normal, which can be fatal to the woman or fetus. Risk factors include illnesses, smoking, alcohol abuse, and traumatic injuries. Symptoms include uterine cramps, vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis involves blood tests and ultrasound. Treatment aims to maintain the pregnancy for as long as possible.
Placental abruption is a pregnancy complication that can occur after the 20th week. This complication occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus earlier than it would in a normal pregnancy. Placental abruption is also called abruptio placentae and, less commonly, abruptio placenta previa. This condition can be fatal to the woman or fetus if not treated promptly.
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy and serves as a physical connection between a woman and the fetus she carries. The primary function of the placenta is to provide an exchange point through which nutrients and oxygen are transferred from the woman to the fetus and through which waste products are transferred from the fetus to the woman. In a healthy pregnancy, the placenta begins to form when the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus and doesn’t detach until shortly before birth.
Placental abruption occurs for reasons that aren’t well understood, but there are some known risk factors. Illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and high blood pressure can increase your risk. Women who smoke, abuse alcohol, or use cocaine also have an increased risk of placental abruption. Other possible causes include traumatic injuries of the type that might occur in a car accident or fall.
The risk of fetal or maternal mortality from placental abruption is low, provided medical treatment is obtained quickly. This condition has the potential to be fatal if left untreated, so a pregnant woman shouldn’t hesitate to seek emergency medical treatment if she experiences symptoms. The following symptoms may indicate placental abruption: uterine cramps, uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, back pain, and abdominal pain.
Tests used to diagnose placental abruption typically include blood tests and an ultrasound. Blood tests are used to check levels of blood clotting factors and other blood products such as hemoglobin and platelets in order to determine if abnormal bleeding is occurring. An ultrasound is done to confirm the location of the placenta and to rule out other conditions from the diagnosis.
When only a small amount of placental abruption occurs, a woman may not need to spend time in the hospital, but will often require bed rest until the danger of complete abruption has passed. Some women need to be hospitalized for treatments such as blood volume replacement and fetal health monitoring. The goal of treatment is generally to maintain the pregnancy for as long as possible, to ensure that the fetus is mature enough to survive after birth.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
