Placental abruption is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Premature Placental Abruption?
If the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is ready to be born, then the baby will end up losing oxygen and nutrients, and mama will start bleeding [1, 2].
The detachment can be partial and very small, so much so that it is diagnosed only after childbirth when the doctor examines the placenta. If the detachment is complete, then it threatens the life of both the mother and the child [2]. And between these two extremes, there are different stages that require more or less medical intervention.
Why does this happen?
The exact causes of placental abruption are still unknown. The risk group includes mothers who already had a detachment in a previous pregnancy. The following are also risk factors [2, 3]:
high blood pressure and other vascular diseases;
mom's age over 30;
trauma to the abdomen;
What are the signs that you need to see a doctor?
You should seek medical help if:
there are cramps and pain in the abdomen or lower back;
there are frequent contractions;
the baby moves less.
When do you need to call an ambulance?
If vaginal bleeding occurs.
Do you have to go to the hospital?
Yes. Placental abruption develops quickly and causes premature labor [2]. In some situations, an emergency C-section section may be required [4].
Even if there is no heavy bleeding, but there is another reason to suspect a detachment, then you need to constantly monitor the condition of the mother and the baby's heartbeat.
If the mother has a negative Rh factor, then additional risks arise: during detachment, the baby’s blood can enter the mother's bloodstream and the Rh-conflict will begin [3], which requires a quick medical response.
How will placental abruption be treated?
There is no single solution. Much depends on the duration of pregnancy, the degree of detachment and the condition of the mother and baby [2]. If there is little time left before the expected due date, doctors will recommend that the woman give birth. If the condition is threatening, a cesarean section will be performed [4].
If it occurs during weeks 34-36 and the detachment is minor, doctors will prolong the pregnancy. Mom may have to stay in bed for some time and take medications to maintain pregnancy. When the bleeding stops, mom will be discharged [3].
