Normally during pregnancy, the placenta is firmly attached to the inner wall of the uterus until the baby has been born. Placenta abruptio is the premature separation (abruption) of the placenta before childbirth. Since the round, flat placenta is a "lifeline" that supplies nutrients and oxygen to a fetus from the mother, an abruption can be life-threatening for the fetus, and sometimes for the mother as well. Placenta abruptio can lead to pre term birth, low birth weight [at or below 2500 g (5.51 lb)], and major maternal blood loss. On rare occasions (in less than 1 in 1,000 deliveries), severe placenta abruptio leads to fetal death.

Alternative Names Of Abruptio placentae

Abruptio placentae, placental abruption, ablatio placentae, accidental hemorrhage, premature separation of placenta

Causes of Abruptio placentae

The exact cause is not known, but high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis make it more likely. A trauma such as a car accident or a fall may trigger the problem. Cocaine abuse increases the risk.

Symptoms of Abruptio placentae

Signs typically include vaginal bleeding and pain in the abdomen or back. You could have uterine contractions, with your abdomen tightening and relaxing as it does when you are in labor, or remaining tight all the time.

Diagnosed of Abruptio placentae

You may need a test called an ultrasound. This painless procedure uses sound waves to build an image of the baby on a TV-like screen. Medicine to stop contractions may be necessary if you are not ready to deliver. If the abruption is small, bed rest may be all that's needed. If it's large, you may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks, and the baby may have to be delivered early.

Treatment of Abruptio placentae

Treatment depends on how severe the abruption is, how it is affecting your fetus, and how close your due date is. A mild abruption may resolve and can often be closely observed on an outpatient basis for the remainder of a pregnancy A moderate to severe abruption requires hospitalization and constant fetal monitoring, and usually results in delivery, sometimes by emergency cesarean.

In the case of a partial separation , bed rest and close monitoring may be prescribed if the pregnancy has not reached maturity. In some cases, transfusions and other emergency treatment may be needed as well.

In a case with a total or complete separation , delivery is often the safest course of action. If the fetus is doing ok, vaginal delivery may be an option. If the fetus is in distress or the mom is experiencing severe bleeding, then a cesarean delivery would be done.

Unfortunately there is no treatment that can stop the placenta from detaching and there is not any way to reattach it.

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