Abruptio Placentae (Placental Abruption)

Introduction of Abruptio Placentae (Placental

Abruption)
The placenta connects the growing baby to the mothers uterus. It acts as a
"lifeline" that gives food and oxygen to the baby through the umbilical cord.
Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before
the baby is born. In most cases, the placenta stays attached to the uterus. In the
case of placental abruption, this lifeline is placed at risk.
Placental abruption(abruptio placentae) can be life-threatening to the baby
and sometimes to the mother. It can lead to premature birth, low birth weight,
blood loss in the mother, and in rare cases, it can cause the babys death.
Approximately 1 in 100 pregnancies has placental abruption. This condition is
usually seen in the third trimester, but it can also happen after 20 weeks of
pregnancy.

Causes of Abruptio Placentae (Placental Abruption)

Trauma to the uterus(such as a car accident) can separate the placenta from the
uterus. Other reasons that can cause placental abruption (abruptio placentae)
include:
A prior pregnancy with placental abruption
A multiple pregnancy
High blood pressure
Pre-eclampsia
Cigarette smoking
Cocaine use
Pregnancy in older mother

Symptoms of Abruptio Placentae (Placental Abruption)

Each woman can have differentsymptoms ofplacental abruption(abruptio

placentae). However, the most common symptom is vaginal bleeding with pain
during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes the blood will be behind the
placenta. In that case, there will be no bleeding. Symptoms also can include:
Abdominal pain
Uterine contractions
Tender uterus
Backache
Remember, these symptoms also can be similar to those of other conditions. Talk
to your gynaecologist about any symptoms that you may be having.

Tests and diagnosis of placental abruption (abruptio placentae)

If your gynaecologist suspects placental abruption, he or she will do a
physical exam to check for uterine tenderness or rigidity. To help identify
possible sources ofvaginal bleeding, you might need blood tests or an
ultrasound.
During an ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are used to create an
image of your uterus on a monitor. It's not always possible to see a
placental abruption on an ultrasound, however.

Treatment options for placental abruption (abruptio placentae)

Treatments of Abruptio Placentae (Placental Abruption)

Its not possible to reattach a placenta that's separated from the wall of the
uterus.Treatment options for placental abruptiondepend on the
circumstances:
The baby isnt close to full term:If the abruption seems mild, your baby's
heart rate is normal and it's too soon for the baby to be born - generally before 34
weeks of pregnancy - you might be hospitalised for close monitoring. If the
bleeding stops and your baby's condition is stable, you might be able to rest at
home. In some cases, you might be given medication to help your baby's lungs
mature, in case early delivery becomes necessary.
The baby is close to full term:If your baby is almost full term - generally after
34 weeks of pregnancy - and the placental abruption seems minimal, a closely
monitored vaginal delivery might be possible. If the abruption progresses or
jeopardizes your health or your baby's health, you'll need an immediate delivery
usually by caesarean section. If you experience severe bleeding, you might need a
blood transfusion.
Prevention of placental abruption (abruptio placentae)
You can't directlyprevent placental abruption, but you can decrease certain
risk factors that make placental abruption more likely. For example, don't smoke or
use illegal drugs, such as cocaine. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your
gynaecologist to control the condition.
If you've had any kind of abdominal trauma from an auto accident, fall or other