What is a placental abruption?
Placental abruption, also called abruptio placenta, is the premature separation (abruption) of the placenta from the uterus before childbirth. The placenta is the organ that connects the developing fetus to the mother’s uterus. The placenta acts as a "lifeline" that supplies nutrients and oxygen to a fetus from the mother. In most cases, the placenta remains attached to the uterus. In the case of placental abruption, however, this lifeline is placed at risk.
Placental abruption can be life-threatening to the fetus, and sometimes to the mother as well. Placental abruption can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and major blood loss in the mother. In rare cases, placenta abruption leads to the death of the baby. In most cases, placental abruption occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. However, it can happen anytime after the 20 th week of pregnancy.
What causes placental abruption?
Placental abruption can be caused by a direct trauma to the uterus (such as a car accident). In cases where there is no known trauma, the cause is not always known. However, placenta abruption has been associated with conditions including the following:
- A previous pregnancy with placental abruption
- A multiple pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
What are the symptoms of placental abruption?
Each woman can experience symptoms of this disorder differently. However, the most common symptom is dark red vaginal bleeding with pain during the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms also can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Uterine contractions that do not relax
- Blood in amniotic fluid
- Nausea
- Thirst
- Faint feeling
- Decreased fetal movements
Remember, these symptoms also can be similar to those of other conditions. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that you might be having.
How is a placental abruption diagnosed?
Placental abruption usually is diagnosed based on the symptoms, as well as on the amount of bleeding and pain. A health professional might use ultrasound to show the location of the bleeding and to check the fetus. Some abruptions are not noticed until labor is in progress. Other times placental abruption is not diagnosed until after delivery, when an area of clotted blood is found behind the placenta.
How is placental abruption treated?
There is no treatment to stop placental abruption or to reattach the placenta. The treatment for placental abruption depends on the amount of bleeding, the stage of the pregnancy, and the condition of the fetus. In most cases of placental abruption, a cesarean delivery is performed. An emergency delivery might be necessary if a hemorrhage occurs. Severe blood loss might require a blood transfusion.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/11/2005
