Abruptio Placenta

WHAT IS ABRUPTIO PLACENTA?

Premature separation of the placenta, from the uterus, during the last trimester of pregnancy.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

If separation is small:
  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Mild pain or discomfort.
  • Fetus remains healthy.

If separation is large:
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding.
  • Severe pain in the lower abdomen.
  • Hard, tender abdomen.
  • State of Shock (rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and dizziness).
  • Fetal distress; fetal heartbeat may be inaudible.

CAUSES

Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Women over age 35.
  • Women who have had several pregnancies.
  • Women who smoke.
  • A direct blow to the uterus.

HOW TO PREVENT

During pregnancy, don't engage in activity more vigorous than what you were accustomed to earlier.

EXPECTED HEALTH CARE

  • Medical supervision. Repeated Ultrasound may be required
  • Hospitalization (in severe cases).
  • Surgery to deliver the fetus by cesarean section, or vaginal delivery (sometimes).

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

  • Vaginal bleeding during 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
  • Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
  • Laboratory studies, such as blood counts, blood-clotting tests and ultrasound examination of the uterus.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Shock or life-threatening bleeding in the mother.
  • Fetal death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

  • With immediate medical care, the outlook for mother and fetus is excellent.
  • With delay of medical care and prolonged heavy bleeding, mother and fetus may succumb.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Abruptio placenta is an emergency, but there is usually enough time to obtain advice by telephone and arrange safe transportation to the hospital. Panic never helps.

If the placenta separation is slight, you may be permitted to return home for bed rest and close observation after examination.

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Medicines to induce labor, if immediate delivery is necessary.
  • Intravenous fluids.
  • Blood transfusions.

REST

Rest in bed until bleeding and other symptoms cease, and your doctor approves a return to normal activity.

ANY SPECIAL DIET?

No special diet. Only oral fluids till your doctor determines that surgery is not likely. Solid food may cause risk if emergency surgery becomes necessary.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

You have bleeding (anything more than slight spotting) during pregnancy.