What is placental abruption?

When a placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the delivery of the baby. This occurs in approximately 1% of pregnancies.

What causes placental abruption?

Although placental abruption is difficult to predict, the risks include hypertension (high blood pressure), pre-eclampsia (a hypertensive disorder specific to pregnancy), multi-fetal pregnancies, preterm ruptured membranes, smoking, drug use, several clotting disorders and having a prior placental abruption. Often, no clear reason for an abruption may be determined.

What are the symptoms of placental abruption?

Symptoms typically include vaginal bleeding with varying amounts of abdominal pain. Some placental abruptions are concealed, meaning they are not associated with bleeding; however, these women will experience abdominal pain.

How is placental abruption diagnosed?

Tests that can confirm placental abruption include abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, fetal monitoring, measuring levels of fibrinogen (protein that is essential for blood clot formation), pelvic exam, platelet count, and vaginal ultrasound.

What is the treatment for placental abruption?

The presence of an abruption does not mean the fetus needs to be delivered urgently, although delivery may be warranted.