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What is placental abruption? — Placental abruption is an uncommon condition that causes bleeding during the last half of pregnancy. It can be dangerous for both the mother and her baby.
The placenta is the organ that forms between the mother and her baby during pregnancy (figure 1). It brings the baby nutrients and oxygen and carries away waste. Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.
What causes placental abruption? — Doctors don't know why some placental abruption sometimes happens. You are more likely to have a placental abruption if you:
●Smoke
●Use cocaine
●Have high blood pressure
●Have a car accident
●Fall on your belly or get hit hard in the belly
What are the symptoms of placental abruption? — The symptoms in the mother include:
●Bleeding from the vagina
●Belly pain
●Back pain
●Tightening of the uterus (called "contractions")
When a placental abruption happens, there might also be problems with the baby's heart rate.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Call your doctor or nurse right away if you bleed from your vagina or have belly pain when you are pregnant. You should also call if you are in a car accident, fall on your belly, or get hit hard in the belly.
Are there tests for placental abruption? — Yes. Most of the time, your doctor or midwife will be able to tell if you have it by asking about your symptoms and doing an exam.
But you will likely need an ultrasound. An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the baby and placenta inside your body.
How is placental abruption treated? — At the hospital, your doctor or nurse will:
●Take some blood from your arm
●Check the baby's heart rate
●See if you are having contractions
●Put a small tube, called an "IV," in a vein so you can get fluids and blood, if you need it.
Depending on how much of the placenta is affected and how long you have been pregnant, your doctor or nurse might want to deliver the baby as soon as possible. You might deliver through the vagina, or the doctor might do surgery to get the baby out (called a "c-section" or "cesarean delivery.")
Can placental abruption be prevented? — You can lower your chances of having placental abruption by:
●Not smoking
●Not using illegal drugs, such as cocaine
●Avoiding situations that might result in a fall or getting hit in the belly
What if I want to get pregnant again? — Someone who has had a placental abruption have a higher-than-normal chance of having a placental abruption in future pregnancies.
Patient education: Labor and delivery (childbirth) (The Basics)
Patient education: C-section (cesarean delivery) (The Basics)