What is Placental

Abruption?
Placental abruption is defined as premature
detachment of the placenta (the organ that
nourishes the fetus), either partial or total.
Placental abruption is an obstetric emergency
which can result in serious complications for the
mother and baby.
Placental abruption, which includes any amount
of placental separation before delivery, occurs in
about 1 out of 150 deliveries. The most severe
form, which can cause the baby to die, occurs
only in about 1 out of 800 to 1,600 deliveries.

WHEN TO NOTIFY THE HEALTH CARE

PROVIDER

P l a c e nt a A b ru p t i o

Call your health care provider right away if:

You are in an auto accident, even if the
accident is minor.
You fall and hit your abdomen.
You have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
See your health care provider right away, call your
local emergency number (such as 911), or go to the
emergency room if you have vaginal bleeding and
severe abdominal pain or contractions during your
pregnancy. Placental abruption can quickly become
an emergency condition that threatens the life of
both the mother and baby.
TREATMENT
It isn't possible to reattach a placenta that's separated
from the wall of the uterus. Treatment options for
placental abruption depend on the circumstances:
If the baby isn't close to full term, if the
abruption seems mild, your baby's heart rate
is normal and it's too soon for the baby to be
born generally before 34 weeks of
pregnancy you might be hospitalized for
close monitoring. If the bleeding stops and
your baby's condition is stable, you might be
able to rest at home. In some cases, you
might be given medication to help your
baby's lungs mature, in case early delivery
becomes necessary.
If your baby is almost full term generally
after 34 weeks of pregnancy and the
placental abruption seems minimal, a closely
monitored vaginal delivery might be
possible. If the abruption progresses or
jeopardizes your health or your baby's
health, you'll need an immediate delivery
usually by C-section. If you experience
severe bleeding, you might need a blood
transfusion.

Placental abruption an uncommon yet

serious complication
of pregnancy.

By:
Nursing Student
Estrella Mountain
Community College

CAUSES

COMPLICATIONS

The exact cause of a placental

abruption may be hard to determine.
Direct causes are rare, but include:

Injury to the belly area

(abdomen) from a fall, hit to
the abdomen, or automobile
accident
Sudden loss of uterine
volume (can occur with rapid
loss of amniotic fluid or after a
first twin is delivered)
Risk factors include:

Blood clotting disorders

Cigarette smoking
Diabetes
Drinking more than 14
alcoholic drinks per week
during pregnancy
High blood pressure during
pregnancy (about half of
placental abruptions that lead
to the baby's death are linked
to high blood pressure)
History of placenta abruption
Large number of past
deliveries
Older mother

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Abdominal pain which may or may

not be accompanied by bleeding (can
be bright red to dark brown).
Contractions with no relaxation in
between
Dull or aching pain in the abdomen or
lower back

PREVENTION
Do not drink any alcohol, such as beer
and wine. Do not smoke or use recreational
drugs during pregnancy. Get early and
regular prenatal care.
Managing conditions such as diabetes and
high blood pressure also decreases the risk
of placental abruption.

Placental abruption can cause lifethreatening problems for both mother

and baby.
For the mother, placental abruption can
lead to:
Shock due to blood loss
Blood clotting problems
The need for a blood transfusion
Failure of the kidneys or other
organs
For the baby, placental abruption can
lead to:
Deprivation of oxygen and
nutrients
Premature birth
Stillbirth

SAFETY CONCERNS
Excess blood loss can lead to shock
and possible death of the mother or
baby. If bleeding occurs after the
delivery and blood loss cannot be
controlled in other ways, the mother
may need a hysterectomy (removal of
the uterus).