Placental abruption

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Placental abruption
Synonyms	Abruptio placentae
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine contractions
Complications	Disseminated intravascular coagulation, fetal distress, preterm birth
Onset	Third trimester of pregnancy
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, hypertension, cocaine use, smoking, multiple pregnancy
Risks	Previous placental abruption, preeclampsia, advanced maternal age
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, clinical presentation
Differential diagnosis	Placenta previa, uterine rupture
Prevention	Avoidance of risk factors
Treatment	Delivery, blood transfusion, monitoring
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on severity and gestational age
Frequency	1 in 200 pregnancies
Deaths	N/A

Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before childbirth, which causes severe bleeding that threatens the life of the mother and the fetus

Marginal and concealed placental abruption

What is placenta?

The placenta is the organ that supplies food and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy.

Pathophysiology of placental abruption

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus before delivery.

Risk factors

• History of placental abruption in previous pregnancy
• Long-term (chronic) high blood pressure
• Sudden high blood pressure in pregnant women who had normal blood pressure in the past
• Heart disease
• Abdominal trauma
• Smoking
• Alcohol or cocaine use
• Placental abruption in an earlier pregnancy
• Fibroids in the uterus
• An injury to the mother (such as a car crash or fall in which the abdomen was hit)
• Being older than 40

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms are vaginal bleeding and painful contractions.

Effect on the fetus

Blood and oxygen supply to the baby may also be affected, leading to fetal distress.

Cause

The cause is unknown, but high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, cocaine or alcohol use, injury to the mother, and having multiple pregnancies increase the risk for the condition.

Diagnosis

Physical exam including a vaginal examination Check contractions of the baby Ultrasound to placenta Monitor Baby's heart rate and rhythm

Prevention

Keeping high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes under control Not using tobacco, alcohol, or cocaine

Alternative Names

Premature placental separation; Placental separation; Placental abruption; Vaginal bleeding - abruption; Pregnancy - abruption

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and can range from bed rest to emergency C-section.

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