How to Spot Signs of Placental Abruption

The placenta is a wonderful organ that provides necessary nutrients to a fetus while in utero. It is susceptible to a variety of problems, however, and the one of the most serious is placental abruption. While rare--it affects .5 percent of pregnancies--pregnant women should know about this dangerous condition. Read on to learn how to spot signs of placental abruption.

Instructions

1. Know the definition of placental abruption. After a child is born, the placenta is supposed to detach itself from the uterus to expel itself from the body. Abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the birth of a baby. Since the placenta provides nutrients to the baby, this condition is extremely dangerous. It also affects the mother because of potential blood loss. Abruptions can be partial or total.

2. Understand the causes of placental abruption. Most often, placental abruption is spontaneous and doctors are unsure of the cause. There are some known risk factors, however. These include smoking, high blood pressure, toxemia/pre-eclampsia, diabetes, a surplus of amniotic fluid, a shorter than normal umbilical cord, using drugs during pregnancy, having twins or multiples, advanced maternal age and trauma or injury to the stomach.

3. Recognize the signs of placental abruption. The most common sign of an abruption is bright red bleeding from the vagina. The bleeding can also manifest itself as dark clots. Bleeding may not always occur with an abruption, however, since the blood can pool behind the placenta and not expel through the cervix. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, tightness across the stomach, and tenderness of the abdomen or a swift increase in size and appearance of the stomach. An ultrasound may be necessary to identify an abruption correctly.

4. Control placental abruption. Most often, a woman who experiences total or severe abruption needs to have the baby and placenta delivered immediately, generally by Cesarean section. If a woman is close to her due date and the abruption is not severe, her physician may keep her on closely monitored bed rest (usually in the hospital). A vaginal delivery may still be possible if the abruption is not severe.

5. Be aware of complications resulting from placental abruption. A woman has a 10 percent chance of having an abruption again with subsequent pregnancies. She may require blood transfusions, or if the abruption is severe, a hysterectomy to stop the bleeding and save the life of the baby.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect any problem with your pregnancy, do not hesitate to notify your medical care provider immediately.