Pronounced: pluh-SEN-tul ab-RUP-shun
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before the fetus is delivered. The placenta is the organ that provides nourishment for the fetus while it is still in the uterus. In a healthy pregnancy, the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall until after the fetus is delivered.
Some form of the condition affects about one in every 150 births. In very severe forms, placental abruption can cause death to the fetus. This occurs in approximately one in every 500-750 deliveries. Death of the mother from placental abruption is very rare. Infants who survive a birth with the condition have a 40%-50% chance of experiencing complications.
Placental abruption can cause:
The cause of placental abruption is often difficult to diagnose. Some common causes of the condition include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing placental abruption:
Symptoms include:
(In early stages, no symptoms may be present)
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Fluids may be administered intravenously to replace lost fluids. Blood transfusions may also be given to replace lost blood supply.
The mother and fetus will be carefully monitored for signs of distress or shock , including abnormal heart rates.
If danger exists for mother or fetus, an emergency Cesarean delivery may be performed. If both the mother and fetus are at low risk of complications and the fetus is full-term, the mother may deliver vaginally.
To help reduce your chance of getting placental abruption, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://bchealthguide.org
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.medical.org/
References:
Bleeding in pregnancy, placenta previa, placental abruption. High-risk pregnancy. Lucile-Packard Children's Hospital website. Available at: http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/hrpregnant/bleed.html . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Placenta abruptio. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000901.htm . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Pregnancy: placental abruption. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/placental-abruption/DS00623/DSECTION=1 . Accessed July 2, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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